From Code to Cultivation: Computer Science Graduate Returns to Village, Grows Dragon Fruit, and Builds ₹30 Lakh a Year Agri Business

• 17 April 2025
• Akriti Singh

In an era where a degree in computer science is considered a direct ticket to cushy tech jobs and corporate ladders, one young graduate decided to chart a different course—one rooted in soil rather than silicon.

Meet [Name], a computer science graduate who gave up a conventional career in IT to return to his village in [District, State] and take up farming. But this wasn’t just any farming—[Name] chose to grow dragon fruit, an exotic, nutrient-rich crop that’s fast gaining popularity across India. His decision, once met with skepticism, has today blossomed into a successful business generating over ₹30 lakh in annual revenue.

The Leap of Faith

After graduating and spending a brief stint in the tech industry, [Name] found himself feeling unfulfilled. The long hours, the screen-bound lifestyle, and the disconnection from nature made him question his path. At the same time, he noticed the challenges his family and fellow villagers faced in traditional farming—low yields, poor returns, and lack of market access.

He began exploring agricultural opportunities that combined innovation, sustainability, and profitability. That’s when he discovered dragon fruit—a cactus species native to Central America but well-suited to India's climate. Armed with online research, YouTube tutorials, and agricultural extension support, he decided to give it a shot.

Building the Farm

With an initial investment (much of it from savings and small loans), [Name] started by cultivating dragon fruit on one acre of land. He installed a drip irrigation system, used organic composting techniques, and kept a close eye on market trends. His computer science background helped him digitize record-keeping, analyze yield data, and even build a basic app to track farm activities.

The crop takes about a year to mature fully, but once it does, it bears fruit for up to 20 years with minimal maintenance. The returns were promising—he fetched good prices at local markets and soon began supplying to urban fruit vendors and organic stores.

Scaling Up & Inspiring Others

Today, [Name] manages over [X] acres of dragon fruit plantation. His farm employs local labor, supports nearby businesses, and even trains other young farmers in high-value crop cultivation. He’s hosted workshops, partnered with agri-startups, and is now exploring cold storage and online sales channels.

What started as a personal quest for meaning has turned into a beacon of hope for rural development. His success story is a powerful example of how educated youth can bring innovation back to their roots and make agriculture a respected, viable career.

A New Kind of Growth

[Name]’s journey reflects a growing shift in India—where agriculture and technology are no longer seen as opposites, but as complementary forces. As he puts it:
“Coding taught me how to solve problems; farming taught me how to be patient and resilient. Together, they’ve helped me build something that feeds both the body and the soul.”

From coding software to cultivating dragon fruit, this young entrepreneur proves that sometimes, the boldest ideas grow best in the most familiar soil.