Dr. G. Karunakaran, principal scientist at ICAR-IIHR’s Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), Hirehalli in Tumakuru, has been recognized for his dual contributions: popularising dragon fruit cultivation in Karnataka and identifying the novel “Siddu” jackfruit variety. Karnataka has seen rapid growth in exotic fruit farming over recent years, and dragon fruit in particular has gone from niche novelty to a promising commercial crop.
Dr. Karunakaran’s research and extension efforts have provided protocols, cultivation models, and support to farmers to grow dragon fruit both in fields and even on rooftops using locally available infrastructure. Meanwhile, his survey work in traditional jackfruit growing areas led to identifying the “Siddu” jackfruit: a cultivar with attractive coppery red flakes, high nutritional value, smaller fruit sizes (about 2.44 kg average), leading to easier handling and marketability.
The recognition comes at the 60th foundation day of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, where Dr. Karunakaran has been awarded the Dr. Kalayya Krishnamurthy National Award for popularising dragon fruit cultivation. His efforts have helped farmers in Karnataka significantly increase acreage under dragon fruit — recent reports say over 2,000 acres are now under dragon fruit cultivation in the state. The award also acknowledges his work in promoting under-utilised fruits, setting up demonstrations, helping with market linkages, and inspiring farmers to adopt exotic fruit crops that have good nutritional and economic potential.
The story of “Siddu” jackfruit is emblematic of participatory research and farmer-scientist collaboration. The variety was discovered in a farmer’s orchard in Chelur village in Tumakuru district, conserved by S. S. Paramesha (a farmer) for many years, then identified and propagated with support from Dr. Karunakaran and his team at IIHR. The “Siddu” cultivar is registered and recognised for its unique traits. This combination of scientific survey, germplasm health, farmer custodianship, market value, and institutional support is seen as a model for preserving genetic diversity while also boosting farmers’ incomes.
The recognition of Dr. G. Karunakaran’s work has reignited discussion on Karnataka’s role as a hub of horticultural innovation. Over the past decade, the state has diversified beyond traditional crops such as coconut, banana, and arecanut to embrace high-value fruits with export potential. Dragon fruit, once seen as exotic, is now cultivated across districts like Tumakuru, Kolar, and Chikkaballapur. Farmers have realized that the fruit’s high demand, coupled with its resilience to dry conditions, makes it ideal for semi-arid regions. This transition symbolizes Karnataka’s adaptability in aligning agriculture with changing consumer preferences.
Dr. Karunakaran’s contribution goes beyond introducing new crops; he has also bridged the gap between research institutions and farmers. His field demonstrations and farmer training programs have transformed technical data into practical knowledge. Farmers have learned to establish trellis systems, manage pests organically, and harvest at optimal maturity to maintain fruit quality. His methods emphasize sustainability—using compost, drip irrigation, and intercropping with nitrogen-fixing plants. The emphasis on eco-friendly cultivation ensures that profitability does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
The Siddu jackfruit variety represents another milestone in participatory agricultural research. This variety, identified in collaboration with farmer S.S. Paramesha, showcases how local innovations can gain national recognition when backed by scientific validation. Siddu jackfruit’s manageable size, vibrant hue, and rich sweetness make it commercially attractive. It can be used for chips, pulp, and value-added products like jams and candies. The success story encourages researchers to work more closely with farmers to conserve and commercialize indigenous fruit species.
Karnataka’s jackfruit mission has gained momentum with this recognition. The state government’s “Jackfruit Board” initiative has already been exploring ways to promote processed jackfruit products for both domestic and export markets. The identification of Siddu adds a new dimension to these efforts, providing a variety that combines market appeal with strong agronomic traits. Farmers are now being encouraged to plant certified Siddu saplings, which could potentially generate substantial income once the fruits mature.
The award bestowed upon Dr. Karunakaran highlights the growing importance of individual leadership in agricultural transformation. Scientists who take their work beyond laboratories and into the field are shaping the next generation of resilient farming. The recognition not only validates his research but also inspires younger scientists to pursue problem-solving research that directly benefits rural communities. His example underscores that innovation in agriculture must always be people-centric and locally adaptable.
What This Means for Farmers and Agriculture: Scientist
For farmers, the work by Dr. Karunakaran has opened up new avenues for income diversification. Dragon fruit, with its rising demand among health-conscious consumers, paired with “Siddu” jackfruit — which is both manageable and marketable — provides options beyond traditional staples. The fact that farmers can get good returns from dragon fruit and also benefit from cultivar propagation for jackfruit means multiple income streams. The institutional support (such as from IIHR) in terms of propagation, training, provision of saplings, and marketing is crucial in scaling up these efforts.
Also, from a scientific/agricultural biodiversity viewpoint, identifying and conserving varieties like “Siddu” jackfruit ensures that genetic diversity is not lost, especially as many seedling varieties are replaced by high-yield hybrids. Such diversity often harbours traits (taste, nutritional value, resistance to pests, adaptability to climate) that may be important under changing climatic conditions. Dragon fruit, being an exotic fruit with good tolerance, is also suitable for dry zones. The dual focus on exotic crops and preserving local varieties represents a balanced approach. 
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive outcomes, several challenges remain in turning this momentum into sustained transformation. First, market infrastructure needs strengthening: exotic fruits often require more careful handling, post-harvest processing, cold chains, and better linkages to premium buyers who are willing to pay for quality. Without that, farmers may be exposed to losses or low margins.
Second, propagation of “Siddu” jackfruit at scale requires ensuring quality of saplings, maintaining genetic purity, guarding against pests/diseases, and ensuring fair royalty or benefit sharing with farmers like S. S. Paramesha. Finally, for dragon fruit cultivation, risk factors such as climate variability, input costs (support structures, fertilizers, water), and market price fluctuations must be addressed via policy support (subsidies, training, insurance). If these are managed well, the work of Dr. Karunakaran could pave the way for major shifts in what crops are viable in Karnataka’s horticulture sector.
Dragon fruit cultivation’s expansion in Karnataka has also created employment opportunities, particularly for women and rural youth. From planting to packaging, the value chain demands skilled labor. Several self-help groups have entered this sector by managing nurseries and producing organic fertilizers. Additionally, processed dragon fruit products such as juices, candies, and jams are finding niche markets in urban areas. This diversification in rural income sources helps stabilize livelihoods and reduce migration pressures.
The success of the dragon fruit model has motivated policymakers to replicate it for other exotic crops like kiwi and passion fruit. Institutions are now exploring feasibility studies to understand which agro-climatic zones can support these new introductions. Karnataka’s varied topography, from the Western Ghats to the dry plains, offers potential for diverse horticultural experiments. Scientists emphasize the need for continuous research to identify climate-resilient varieties that can withstand both droughts and heavy rains.
Farmers who adopted dragon fruit early have reported encouraging returns. Depending on the management and spacing, one acre can yield between 10 and 12 tonnes annually. Market prices range from ₹150 to ₹300 per kilogram, ensuring profitability even after initial setup costs. Farmers who intercropped vegetables or legumes during the first two years before fruiting began were able to optimize land use and income. Such integrated farming systems showcase the power of strategic agricultural planning.
Government agencies, too, are playing a supportive role in scaling up production. Subsidies for trellis installation, drip irrigation, and sapling procurement are helping small farmers participate in this shift. Training programs conducted under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and National Horticulture Mission have introduced thousands of farmers to dragon fruit cultivation techniques. These structured interventions are ensuring that the trend does not remain confined to progressive farmers but spreads across districts.
Karnataka’s recognition for promoting horticultural diversity aligns with India’s broader goals of doubling farmers’ income. The shift from low-return crops to high-value horticulture adds resilience to the rural economy. However, experts caution that farmers must also be trained in post-harvest management and marketing. Without strong supply chains, the full potential of fruits like dragon fruit and jackfruit cannot be realized. Hence, cold storage facilities and collection centers are being planned near key production clusters.
The story of Siddu jackfruit also highlights the importance of intellectual property rights in agriculture. Registering new varieties ensures that both scientists and farmers receive due credit and protection. The collaboration between IIHR and farmers like Paramesha represents a model of equitable benefit sharing. Such partnerships can prevent the exploitation of farmers’ indigenous knowledge while ensuring scientific advancement. The model could be replicated for other regional fruits like sapota, guava, and mango.
Environmental benefits of dragon fruit cultivation are often overlooked. As a cactus species, it requires minimal water compared to other fruit crops. Its cultivation helps reduce groundwater stress in drought-prone regions. Moreover, the plant’s climbing nature provides a green cover that minimizes soil erosion. The use of organic manure enhances soil fertility over time, contributing to sustainable land use. These ecological advantages make dragon fruit a promising crop for climate adaptation.
Follow: Karnataka Government
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