It all started with the need for food and to massive availability of food that where once considered to be foreign. Avocado was once considered a lesser-known food item, it was mostly consumed outside of India and was transported into India. The demand for avocados increased as people became more aware of the benefits and nutritional value.
According to a report by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the import of avocado fruits has increased in India by 450% over the last three years. The credit for this rise goes to the health and fitness industry, after the huge health crisis during COVID-19 people have started to transform their diets to a healthier version.
After knowing the reasons and demand for avocado farming in India, read on to take a deeper look at people who are doing avocado farming in India.
The Need For Avocado Farming In India
To understand the need for avocado farming in India, first know the health benefits that avocados hold; According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), avocados can be a healthy source of fat and may support a heart-healthy diet. Avocados contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and stroke when used in place of saturated and trans fats. Avocados also contain potassium and little to no sodium.
Image Credit: Harshit Gadha Avocado Farm (Instagram)
After COVID-19 people have started to look for healthy food, and avocado is one of the healthiest foods. India used to source avocado but due to a non-existent avocado industry and no research background of avocado in India, the kind of the varieties being grown locally are not commercial. They do not have the same market appeal as their imported competitors.
Image Credit: Harshit Gadha Avocado Farm (Instagram)
According to Harshit Godha, Urban Avocado Farming in Bhopal, “While studying in the UK, the avocado was a part of my diet, but when I visited Bhopal I could not find good quality avocados in Bhopal. The ones I did find were of poor quality and heavily overpriced.”
Further, he adds, “In 2017, while purchasing avocados in the UK, I noticed the packaging said they were sourced from Israel. This led me to research the Israeli avocado industry, and I found out it is one of the most profitable crops in Israel. I was doing an internship in London at the time, but I had made up my mind to pursue avocado farming.”
Image Credit: Harshit Gadha Avocado Farm (Instagram)
Maintenance And Cultivation Practices
Every journey into avocado farming starts with a personal story. Take Jagdish Patel, a horticulturist from Gujarat who has experience in growing multiple crops. He developed an interest in avocados while visiting the UK where avocados were available in abundance. When he came back to India he could not find good quality avocados in Gujrat. This led him to think of growing avocados locally. After extensive research and a life-changing experience in Israel where he learned about avocado farming, Patel decided to import avocado plants and start his nursery in India.
Image Credit: Jagdish Patel Avocado Farm
Similarly, Gulzar Singh, a traditional farmer from Punjab wanted to diversify his crop basket beyond wheat and rice. He started experimenting with avocados in 2022 and used the greenhouse technique to overcome the climate challenges of North India. Singh is the first to grow avocados in Punjab and is a role model for other farmers in similar regions. He is active in local agricultural initiatives and promotes crop diversification.
Image Credit: Jagdish Patel Avocado Farm
According to Patel and Singh, the keys to a healthy avocado orchard in India are good drip irrigation and fertigation, no water logging and choosing the right variety and rootstock based on soil and climate. But weeding during monsoon is a challenge and innovation and adaptation are necessary for success in this new sector.
Viability And Profitability
Is avocado farming profitable in India? According to Harshit Godha, the numbers say yes. India consumes 4000 tons of avocados every year according to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and the demand is growing by 100% every year. In the next 2-3 years the demand is expected to touch 12000-15000 tons. For those selling imported plants the revenues have already crossed 1 crore per annum and the sale of fruits from pilot orchards will start soon.
Image Credit: Harshit Gadha Avocado Farm (Instagram)
Further, he adds, “Long-term viability of avocado farming in India looks good with profits of 10 lakhs per acre per annum. Avocado trees are very productive with a life of over 40 years making it a sustainable investment.” Moreover, avocados are a high-value crop with high demand, suitable to the Indian climate and recognised for their health benefits especially due to their monounsaturated fat content.