How One Maharashtra Farmer Earns Rs 10 Lakh Per Acre with Avocados

In Maharashtra's drought-prone Beed district, where farming is often a struggle due to scorching temperatures and water scarcity, Parmeshwar Thorat has turned an unlikely crop, avocados, into a successful farming business. With his thoughtful techniques, he now earns Rs 10 lakh per acre, proving that even in one of India's harshest agricultural environments, smart farming can succeed. Here is how he made it happen, and how you can too:

Step 1: Researching and choosing the right variety

Parmeshwar’s avocado journey began in 2018 when he visited Bengaluru and discovered the Arka Supreme variety, which survives in hot climates. “I knew it would work here,” he recalls. This variety can withstand temperatures as high as 45°C, making it perfect for Beed’s harsh conditions. Its high yield and adaptability to the region’s climate were key factors in his decision.

Step 2: Preparing the land for avocado farming

Beed’s soil quality and water scarcity were a major challenge, but the farmer wasn’t deterred. He started by digging pits that were two feet by two feet across 0.75 acres. “I filled them with cow dung manure before planting the saplings. I knew the soil needed enrichment,” he explains. This preparation ensured that the soil was nutrient-rich and ready to support the young avocado plants.

Step 3: Installing drip irrigation and water management

Water conservation was critical in this dry region. Parmeshwar installed a drip irrigation system, which provides water directly to the roots of the plants, minimising wastage. Additionally, he created a pond on his farm to capture rainwater, which he uses during dry months. “We collect as much rainwater as possible during the monsoon and use it in the dry season,” he says. This system not only saves water but also ensures the farm remains sustainable year-round.

Step 4: Transitioning to organic farming

To keep his avocados healthy and natural, the farmer turned to organic farming methods. Initially, he used chemical fertilisers, but after learning about organic farming, he switched. He uses cow dung manure and natural methods to fertilise the plants. It’s healthier for both the plants and the consumers. His commitment to organic practices has not only improved the taste and quality of his fruit but also aligned with the growing demand for organic produce.

Step 5: Grafting for better yields

Parmeshwar also adopted grafting to improve the longevity and yield of his avocado plants. “Grafting helps extend the lifespan of the plants,” he explains. By grafting 250 new saplings in 2022, he enhanced his farm’s future productivity. The grafting process involves combining the roots of one plant with the shoot of another, resulting in stronger plants that bear more fruit.

Step 6: Managing and harvesting the fruit

After careful planning and years of hard work, the avocado farmer in Beed harvested his first avocados in 2021. His patience paid off when the crop began to yield fruit. By 2022, his 50 plants produced fruit, and the demand began to grow as locals learnt about the fruit’s health benefits. By 2023, he harvested over 1,200 kg of avocados, selling them for a healthy profit.

Key takeaways for avocado farmers in drought-prone regions

Parmeshwar's success offers some helpful tips for farmers in other drought-prone areas of India. Here are a few points that can help replicate his success:

• Choose unique varieties: Select avocados that are resilient to heat and water scarcity, such as Arka Supreme, which is known for its ability to grow in extreme climates. 

• Focus on soil health: Building healthy soil is the first step to harvesting healthy avocados in a drought-prone region. Enriching the soil with organic matter, like cow dung manure, ensures that the plants have the nutrients they need to grow, especially in challenging conditions.

• Prioritise water conservation: Water scarcity is one of the biggest challenges in drought-prone areas. Implement efficient water management systems like drip irrigation and water harvesting to minimise water usage while still providing adequate hydration to the crops.

• Be prepared for the long haul: Growing avocados in a dry region requires patience. It may take a few years for the trees to bear fruit, but with careful planning and perseverance, the results will be rewarding.

Edited by Megha Chowdhury