PM Modi Praises Kadapa Farmer’s Avocado Farming Success in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the growing potential of avocado cultivation in India, saying the once little-known fruit is helping farmers explore new sources of income.

Speaking in the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Modi pointed to the success of farmers in southern India who have moved beyond traditional crops and tapped into the rising demand for avocados.

Avocados were once relatively unfamiliar in the Indian market and attracted limited demand or value. However, the growing focus on healthy eating and the expansion of premium food markets have increased the fruit's popularity, creating fresh opportunities for farmers willing to diversify their cultivation.

Modi cited Varadaraj from Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh, who earlier grew tomatoes and bananas. His interest in avocados began after he noticed the crop on a friend's farm. He later turned to YouTube to understand cultivation methods and learn more about the crop.

Varadaraj has so far produced around four tonnes of avocados and sells them directly to local shops. Modi said the farmer's experience showed how adopting a new crop, seeking scientific guidance and using direct marketing could significantly improve farm income.

The Prime Minister also mentioned Chandrasekaran from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, who has taken up avocado cultivation on half a hectare and is receiving encouraging prices for his produce.

In Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, farmers are integrating avocado plants into coffee plantations. The practice is providing an additional income stream alongside earnings from coffee and pepper.

Drawing a comparison with the growing popularity of avocado toast in cities, Modi said farmers had discovered their own “new recipe” for improving incomes through avocado cultivation.

The examples from southern India underline how crop diversification, scientific knowledge and changing consumer preferences can open up new possibilities for farmers and strengthen their income prospects.