Apple, Avocado Farming Takes Root In Rayalaseema

KURNOOL: Rayalaseema, long known for its dry climate and limited cropping options, is steadily emerging as a centre for innovative horticulture. Farmers in the region are successfully cultivating high-value exotic crops such as apples and avocados, traditionally associated with cooler regions like Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir.

Agriculture in the region has undergone a gradual transformation in recent years. Alongside conventional crops, farmers have taken up the cultivation of marigold, jasmine, crossandra, fig and guava. Encouraged by changing market trends and improved farming practices, they are now experimenting with crops that promise higher returns while requiring relatively less water.

In Gajulapalle village of Mahanandi mandal in Nandyal district, farmers have introduced apple cultivation, which was previously limited to a few pockets, including Marthadu village in Anantapur district. Avocado, a premium fruit with growing demand in urban markets, is also being cultivated.

Farmer Hussain Reddy has emerged as a model of innovative farming in the village. He cultivates Arkansas variety roses on four acres and is earning encouraging returns. “These flowers remain fresh for up to a week, helping us secure better prices in the market,” he said.

Explaining his water-management strategy, Hussain Reddy said he had developed a farm pond over one acre with a storage capacity of nearly one crore litres. “It has significantly improved groundwater levels and ensured a reliable water source for my crops,” he added.

Farmers say crops such as apples and avocados require comparatively less water and are well-suited to changing climatic conditions when supported by proper irrigation.

Another progressive farmer, Mastan, has taken up apple cultivation with an investment of around ₹1.5 lakh per acre. “I chose apple cultivation after studying market demand and local conditions. I also introduced avocado as an intercrop to maximise returns,” he said.

Murali, another farmer from the district, took up avocado cultivation after extensively studying the crop. “I spent nearly six months understanding avocado cultivation techniques before starting. I sourced quality saplings from Bengaluru,” he said.

He added that strong urban demand and attractive prices make avocado cultivation a promising long-term investment despite the initial expenditure of around Rs 1.5 lakh per acre.

District collector Rajakumari G. recently visited Gajulapalle village to review these innovative farming practices. 

“We are encouraging farmers to adopt diversified horticulture. Subsidies of up to Rs 7 lakh are being provided for farm ponds, which are crucial in addressing water scarcity,” she said. The collector noted that farmers were showing keen interest in new crops and modern cultivation techniques, assuring continued support from the administration.

With a combination of farmer initiative, scientific guidance and government support, Nandyal district is emerging as a model for high-value horticulture in dry regions. The success of apple and avocado cultivation is expected to encourage more farmers across Rayalaseema to explore similar opportunities.