According to scientists from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), dragon fruit is cultivated on over 800 hectares across Karnataka and avocado on at least 400 hectares. Dr G. Karunakaran said farmers are now looking at dragon fruit, avocado and other exotic crops. Karnataka is the top producer of dragon fruit in India, and the Institute will help promote such crops.
Another scientist, Dr R. Senthil Kumar, said the IIHR is innovating to come up with new varieties of exotic fruits.
