About Us

Who We Are

Growing Karnataka’s Exotic Fruit Farming Community

Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmers Association (KEFA) is a nonprofit organization established in 2022 to promote dragon fruit and other exotic fruit cultivation across Karnataka. What began with just 20 farmers has now grown into a strong network of more than 1000 farmers working together to improve farming practices, increase productivity, and create better market opportunities.

Our Mission

To increase the production of exotic fruits using eco-friendly science and technology while improving farmers’ income and maintaining soil fertility.

Our Vision

Promoting, expanding and perpetuating the diversity, production and legacy of exotic fruit crops in Karnataka to its full potential.

Our Focus

Growing the Future of Exotic Fruit Farming

KEFA is dedicated to Dragon fruit and other Exotic fruit’s research, education, marketing and promotion. When we started this group we were 20 members farmers now with our continuous Focus we have the association formed with the Exotic fruit growers farmers strength of 1000+ farmers across Karnataka and covering the Dragon fruit area of cultivation for about 1000+ Acres land in Karnataka as of year

Supporting 1000+ Farmers in Exotic Fruit Cultivation
Encouraging Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Farming

A growing community dedicated to expanding dragon fruit cultivation across Karnataka.

Dr. Ganesan Karunakaran - Principal Scientist ICAR-IIHR

ICAR–IIHR Principal Scientist

🍃 Our Horticulture Expert

Dr. Ganesan Karunakaran

Principal Scientist, Division of Fruit Crops
ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru

Dr. Ganesan Karunakaran is a Principal Scientist in the Division of Fruit Crops at ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the promotion and commercial cultivation of exotic and underutilized fruit crops in Karnataka and India.

Exotic & Tropical Fruits

Played a pioneering role in introducing dragon fruit to Karnataka in 2014 and promoting avocado, rambutan, wax apple, jackfruit and other exotic fruits.

Variety Development

Contributed to the identification and promotion of promising farmer-conserved and high-yielding fruit varieties, including red-fleshed jackfruit selections such as 'Siddu' and 'Shankara'.

Research & Farmer Outreach

Published 40+ research papers, authored three books and actively worked with Farmer Producer Organizations to strengthen sustainable fruit value chains.

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Dr. Kalayya Krishnamurthy National Award 2024 · University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru

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MASU National Excellence Award 46–55 Years · 115th MASU Day Celebrations · 2026