Avocado cultivation in India is undergoing a major transformation, evolving from a neglected shade tree in coffee plantations to a high-value commercial crop. Historically, the fruit was often left to rot or consumed by animals, earning it the dismissive local nickname “dog fruit.” However, shifting consumer trends—sparked in part by celebrity endorsements around 2011—have driven a surge in domestic demand.

The current market landscape shows a significant supply deficit. India imports approximately 15,000 tonnes of avocados annually, while domestic production lags behind at roughly 8,000 to 9,000 tonnes. This gap has prompted farmers to diversify, particularly as traditional crops like pepper and coffee face increasing pressure from changing climatic conditions.

Professionalizing the industry has required a departure from traditional farming methods. Experts like Harshit Godha, founder of the Indo-Israel Avocado Nursery, emphasize that commercial success depends on sophisticated techniques, such as grafting, aggressive pruning, and precise pollination ratios. “This single botanical detail is what separates a highly profitable, high-yielding orchard from one that looks great on paper but fails in reality,” Godha noted regarding the necessity of pairing specific tree varieties for pollination.

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Research institutions are also working to standardize the market. Dr. Ganeshan Karunakaran of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research has spent 25 years developing uniform, high-yielding varieties to replace the inconsistent fruit currently found in many Indian markets. These efforts aim to provide farmers with reliable planting material, mitigating the risks associated with unregulated nurseries and diseased saplings.

While the hospitality sector still relies heavily on imported avocados for their consistent quality and texture, local producers are scaling up. Plantations in regions like Wayanad are expanding their acreage, with some farmers reporting successful harvests and plans for further growth. Despite the steep learning curve, early adopters remain optimistic about the crop's long-term viability in the Indian agricultural sector.

Source: BBC News