India: Farmers turn to cultivation of exotic fruit varieties

New Delhi: Indian farmers are rapidly adopting the cultivation of exotic and premium fruits like avocados, blueberries, dragon fruit, and kiwis, fueled by their growing preference in the domestic market and burgeoning exports.These fruits offer up to 50% higher returns than other local fruits, according to experts. Over the last five years, farmers and entrepreneurs have realized the potential for exotic fruits and new varieties for both domestic and international markets, said Purnima Khandelwal, chief executive of InI Farms, a large exporter of horticulture products.Khandelwal said this was manifested in initiatives. to grow dragon fruit, seedless watermelon, blueberries, red grapes, cantaloupes, avocado and kiwi. Recognizing the market potential, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has identified ten globally popular exotic fruit crops of commercial importance - avocado, blueberry, dragon fruit, figs, kiwi, mangosteen, persimmon, passion fruits, rambutans and ...