Sangrur, July 14 -- As Punjab grapples with depleting groundwater levels and diminishing returns from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle, dragon fruit cultivation is quietly taking root. Several farmers are now turning to horticulture, with dragon fruit emerging as a profitable crop.

The seasonal crop, which bears fruit from June through October, is not only more water-efficient but also proving to be economically viable. Farmers across Sangrur and Barnala districts are reporting encouraging results, with many earning significantly higher profits compared to conventional crops.

Balwinder Singh, a 67-year-old farmer from Rogla village in Sangrur, started dragon fruit cultivation in 2021. He now grows the 'C' variety of the fruit on one ac...