A Living Legend in Kerala
At the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) in Ambalavayal, Wayanad, an avocado tree nearly 80 years old is drawing attention. Planted by British officials after the Second World War as part of a rehabilitation project for soldiers, this tree is a relic
from a time when the avocado was an unknown quantity in India. For decades, the fruit was even dismissed locally as ‘pattippazham’ (dog fruit) and often discarded. Today, this single tree is a reminder of the crop's long journey. In 2025, Ambalavayal was officially declared Kerala’s first “Avocado City,” a testament to how perception and agricultural priorities have shifted.
From Colonial Curiosity to Backyard Staple
Avocados were first introduced to India from Sri Lanka in the early twentieth century. American missionaries also played a role, planting trees in the hill stations of southern India, like Coorg, Kodaikanal, and Ooty, throughout the early 1900s. However, the fruit, with its bland, buttery taste, failed to capture the Indian palate, which was more accustomed to sweet and tangy flavours. For much of the century, it remained a scattered, non-commercial crop, grown in the backyards of homes in climatically suitable regions like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Sikkim.
The Green Gold Rush
In recent years, a surge in health consciousness and exposure to global food trends has transformed the avocado's status. What was once a niche fruit is now a high-value commodity, leading to a 'green gold rush' among farmers. Commercial cultivation is now gaining serious momentum. The primary growing regions remain the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, along with parts of Maharashtra. The northeastern state of Sikkim, with its subtropical climate, has also proven to be a successful region for avocado cultivation. Farmers are increasingly seeing it as a profitable alternative to traditional crops.
Challenges on the Path to Harvest
Despite the growing interest, aspiring avocado farmers face significant hurdles. A major issue is the lack of quality planting material. Most trees in India are grown from seed, which leads to huge variations in fruit quality, size, and yield. This inconsistency makes it difficult to establish a reliable commercial market. Furthermore, successful cultivation requires specific knowledge about pollination, as avocado trees often need two different varieties planted near each other to produce fruit. Other challenges include the high initial investment, a long wait of four to seven years before trees bear fruit, and susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils.
A Ripe Future for Indian Avocados
The future of avocado farming in India looks promising. Experts predict that India could transition from an import-dependent consumer to a significant producer within the next decade. Research institutions like the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) are developing standardized, high-yielding Indian varieties such as 'Arka Supreme' and 'Arka Coorg Ravi' to tackle the quality issue. Recent studies also suggest that under moderate climate change scenarios, the areas in India suitable for avocado cultivation could expand. With rising domestic demand and success stories like that of a Kadapa farmer who harvested four tonnes from his young orchard, the avocado's journey from a single old tree to a major agricultural force seems well underway.
