Growing avocado demand in India is creating an additional income source for farmers in Kadappa, Kodaikanal, and Chikkamagaluru. Growers are introducing the crop alongside existing farming activities as demand increases in urban and health-focused markets.

In Kadappa, farmer Varadaraj shifted part of his focus from tomatoes and bananas after seeing avocado cultivation on another farm. After researching the crop, he began growing avocados and has since harvested nearly four tons. He sells the fruit directly to local shops.

In Kodaikanal, farmer Chandrashekharan established avocado cultivation on 0.5 hectares. The crop is generating additional income as farmers in the area explore higher-value produce alongside conventional crops.

Avocados are also being incorporated into coffee plantations in Chikkamagaluru. Farmers are growing the fruit alongside coffee while continuing to cultivate black pepper, using crop diversification to generate another income stream.

The developments come as avocados become more established in India’s urban food market, prompting growers to explore cultivation and direct marketing opportunities.