Comparative analysis of the economic potential of dragon fruit cultivation in the central and northern dry zones of Karnataka, India

India is the second-largest producer of fruits globally, has seen a rising demand for exotic fruits, particularly dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.), due to its high nutritional value and commercial potential. Introduced in India in the late 1990s, dragon fruit cultivation has expanded across various agro-climatic regions, with Karnataka being a major contributor. The study conducted on the economics of dragon fruit farming through a comparative benefit cost analysis of two genotypes - Hylocereus undatus (white-fleshed) and Hylocereus costaricensis (pink-fleshed) – in experimental field at KRCCH, Arabhavi, MHREC, UHS, Bagalkot and farmer-managed fields in Karnataka, India. The total establishment cost was Rs. 143681 in the experimental field and Rs. 154562 in farmer-managed fields, with borewell and irrigation infrastructure being the primary cost components in both the systems. First-year maintenance costs were Rs. 50841 and Rs. 53396 per acre in experimental and farmer fields, respectively. From the second year onwards, the cost reduced to Rs. 33935 in the experimental field and Rs. 40169 in farmer-managed fields. The total yield per acre was 1293 kg in the experimental field and 1248 kg in the farmer’s field, with market price of Rs. 140/kg. The net income per acre was Rs. 147085 and Rs. 134551, respectively, achieving a higher Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio of 5.33 was compared to 4.34 in farmer-managed conditions. These findings highlighted the profitability and sustainability of dragon fruit cultivation, emphasizing efficient resource utilization and strategies for enhanced productivity.