Five farmers growing exotic fruits on rocky, drought-prone land and making lakhs

In parts of India where rain is scarce, soils are hard, and traditional crops struggle, some farmers are rewriting the rules of agriculture. Across drought-prone and rocky tracts in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Rajasthan, innovative growers are tapping into the increasing demand for exotic fruits, such as avocados, dragon fruit, and fresh dates.

These farmers are proving that land once written off as infertile or inadequate can become a profitable orchard with the right crop choice, water-efficient practices, and a focus on premium markets.

Their journeys give fresh meaning to the idea that “drought-prone” doesn’t have to mean “income-poor”. Instead, it can be a fertile ground for resilient, high-value horticulture and long-term profitability.

From experimenting with drought-tolerant avocado varieties to embracing hardy cacti-like dragon fruit and date palms, each grower has adapted scientific insights, innovative irrigation techniques, or smart marketing strategies to carve out sustainable livelihoods.

Here are five farmers who are leading this transformation by growing exotic fruits on dry fields and turning them into thriving money machines:

1. Parmeshwar Thorat

Parmeshwar Thorat shifted from traditional crops to avocado farming in drought-prone Beed after noticing low returns on pomegranates. Choosing the heat-tolerant Arka Supreme avocado variety, he planted saplings on his dry land and used rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation to conserve moisture.

In the last season, Parmeshwar harvested around 1,000 kg of avocados, selling fruit and grafted saplings, earning a profit of Rs 10 lakh per acre. He is expanding his orchard as older trees yield more.

His model is proof that carefully selected exotic fruit varieties can thrive even with minimal rainfall.

Here’s his detailed story: How this farmer makes a profit of Rs10 lakh per acre from avocado farming in drought-prone Beed

2. Jalindar Jadkar

After taking VRS from Tata Motors, Jalindar Jadkar planted avocados on drought-hit land in Kurduvadi, Solapur, replacing low-profit muskmelon. Using a mix of Indian Arka Supreme and Mexican Hass varieties, soil enrichment with cow dung and vermicompost, and hardy shade trees like mahogany to reduce heat stress, Jalindar’s avocado yields have soared.

With a strong market demand pushing wholesale prices high, the agripreneur earns around Rs 24 lakh per acre, establishing an example of how high-value tropical fruits can beat dry soils and water scarcity.

Here's Jalindar's story: This avocado farmer earns Rs26 lakh per acre in drought-prone Solapur

3. Mukesh Manjoo 

Ex-NSG commando Mukesh Manjoo reinvented 20 acres of arid land in Pilani, Rajasthan, with deep-rooted date palms and olive trees that thrive in dry climates. With organic farming, drip irrigation, and rainwater harvesting, his date palms yield high volumes of fruit that fetch premium prices of Rs6 lakh per acre.

He also grows other fruits, selling organic produce directly to urban customers and luxury hotels. Mukesh’s diversified orchard shows how multiple drought-tolerant exotic fruits can convert barren soil into steady income streams.

Also Read: How this farmer earns Rs 6 lakh per acre from organic farming of dates

4. Prasad Ramchawre

In drought-affected Akola, Maharashtra, Prasad Balkrishna Ramchaware started dragon fruit farming, recognizing that this hardy cactus-like plant needs little water and thrives in marginal soil.

By adopting a high-density planting system, drip irrigation, and intercropping with exotic vegetables, he increased productivity dramatically. In the latest season, his two-acre farm produced 22 tonnes of fruit, with income exceeding Rs 20 lakh and an additional sapling nursery business. Prasad’s story underscores how smart planting densities and water-efficient practices unlock profitability on dry land.

Here's his story: Maharashtra farmer earns Rs12 lakh per acre from dragon fruit farming in drought-prone Akola

5. Joseph KS

At 69, Joseph KS has turned his rocky, unproductive terrain in Ranni, Kerala, into a thriving dragon fruit orchard. Retiring from banking, he replaced rubber with dragon fruit – a drought-resilient exotic fruit.

He built sturdy trellis systems and used organic manures and minimal irrigation. Over about 10 acres, his farm now produces around 40 tonnes of dragon fruit annually, selling locally and to exporters, generating close to Rs 50 lakh turnover.

Joseph’s success shows how hard land can be reshaped into a sustainable, high-value horticultural enterprise with  organic practices.

Here's Joseph's detailed story: Ex-banker turns rocky land into dragon fruit paradise; clocks Rs50 lakh annual turnover

(Riya Singh is a Ranchi-based journalist who writes on environment, farming, sustainability, startups, & women empowerment).

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