Impact of socio-economic characteristics on dragon fruit productivity in Latur District, Maharashtra

Abstract

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is emerging as a high-value horticultural crop in India due to its nutritional benefits and export potential. This study aims to examine the effect of socio-economic characteristics on the productivity of dragon fruit orchards. Primary data were collected from dragon fruit growers through structured interviews. Socio-economic variables such as age, education level, family size, landholding, occupation, number of livestock, orchard age, and dragon fruit area were analyzed using a linear multiple regression model. The results revealed that orchard age and area under dragon fruit cultivation had a positive and statistically significant influence on productivity. In contrast, variables such as landholding, milch animals, and bullock pairs showed a negative but non-significant effect. The model explained (96%) of the variability in productivity (R² = 0.96). These findings highlight the relevance of specific farm level socio-economic factors in enhancing dragon fruit yield and offer policy insights for promoting this crop among progressive farmers.