Apple, Avocado Farming Takes Root In Rayalaseema
– KURNOOL: Long known for its dry climate and limited crop options, Rayalaseema is steadily emerging as an innovative horticultural hub. Farmers in the region successfully grow high-value exotic crops such as apples and avocados, traditionally associated with cooler regions such as Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir.
Agriculture in the region has undergone a gradual transformation in recent years. Apart from traditional crops, farmers have also started growing marigolds, jasmine, crossandra, figs and guavas. Encouraged by changing market trends and improving agricultural practices, the team is now experimenting with crops that require relatively less water and promise higher returns.
In Gajulapalle village of Mahanandi mandal in Nandyal district, farmers have introduced apple cultivation, which was earlier limited to a few pockets, including Marthadu village in Anantapur district. Avocados, a premium fruit whose demand is increasing in urban markets, are also grown.
Farmer Hussain Reddy has emerged as a model of innovative farming in the village. He grows Arkansas variety roses on four acres of land and gets encouraging returns. “These flowers stay fresh for up to a week and help us get better prices in the market,” he said.
Explaining the water management strategy, Hussain Reddy said that it has developed a one-acre farm pond with a storage capacity of around one crore litres. “It has significantly improved groundwater levels and provided a reliable water source for my crops,” he added.
Farmers say crops like apples and avocados require relatively little water and adapt very well to changing climatic conditions when supported by proper irrigation.
Mastan, another progressive farmer, started growing apples with an investment of around 1.5 lakh per acre. “After studying the market demand and local conditions, I chose apple cultivation. I also introduced avocado as an intercrop to maximize returns,” he said.
Murali, another farmer from the area, started growing avocados after a thorough study of the crop. “I spent around six months understanding avocado growing techniques before starting. I procured quality saplings from Bengaluru,” he said.
He added that strong urban demand and attractive prices make avocado cultivation a promising long-term investment even though it initially costs around Rs 1.5 lakh per acre.
District collector Rajakumari G. recently visited Gajulapalle village to examine these innovative agricultural practices.
“We encourage farmers to adopt diversified horticulture. Subsidies of up to Rs 7 lakh are being provided for farm ponds, which are vital in addressing water scarcity,” he said. The collector stated that farmers showed keen interest in new crops and modern cultivation techniques, which ensured continued support from the administration.
With a combination of farmer initiative, scientific guidance and government support, the Nandyal district is emerging as a model for high-value horticulture in arid regions. The success of apple and avocado cultivation is expected to encourage more farmers to explore similar opportunities in Rayalaseema.
