Avocado farming In India - profit per acre

Dr. Sriniwas rao from Deccan Exotics has good experience in growing avocadoes and dragon fruits. He says Avocado has a highest nutritional value. Currently not many farmers are growing avocadoes in India. But Indian climate is very much suitable for growing avocadoes.

Avocado varieties

Avocadoes have mainly 2 broad varieties - green (e.g. Pinkerton which is little bit bitter in taste) and black skinned (e.g. Hass which is very tasty)

• Hass: Named after Rudolph Hass, who patented this variety in the 1930s, the Hass avocado stands out for its distinctive pebbly skin that transitions from green to purplish-black as it ripens. This variety is favored not only for its taste but also for its longer shelf life compared to other avocado varieties.
• Fuerte: These avocados have a smooth, thin skin that remains green even when ripe. They are often pear-shaped with a slightly more watery texture compared to Hass avocados.
• Bacon: Bacon avocados are medium-sized and have a smooth, thin skin that remains green when ripe. They have a lighter flavor and creamy texture.
• Zutano: Zutano avocados have a glossy, yellow-green skin and a mild flavor. They are often used for guacamole due to their smoother texture.
• Pinkerton: Pinkerton avocados have a unique elongated pear shape with green, pebbly skin. They have a smooth, creamy texture and a slightly nutty taste.
• Gwen: These avocados are large and oval with green, pebbled skin. They have a creamy texture similar to Hass avocados and a mild, nutty flavor.

Cultivation Process

• Climate and Soil: Hass avocado trees thrive in subtropical to warm-temperate climates. Well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 7 is ideal. Regions with mild winters and moderate rainfall are conducive to successful cultivation.
• Propagation: Avocado trees are typically propagated through grafting onto rootstocks. This allows farmers to select disease-resistant and productive rootstocks to support the growth of the grafted Hass avocado variety.
• Planting: Plant young trees in well-prepared holes, ensuring proper spacing for healthy growth. Young trees cost around Rs. 3000 per plant. Adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds are essential. Spacing should be 10 ft(between plants) x 20 ft(between rows). 200 plants can be grown per acre. So total plant cost will be 6 lakhs - 200 x Rs 3000. You need to make raised beds.
• Care and Maintenance: Regular watering, mulching, and fertilization are crucial to support tree health and fruit production. Pruning helps maintain the desired shape, manage disease, and improve fruit quality.

Profits

The yield of avocados per acre can vary widely depending on several factors, including the avocado variety, climate, soil conditions, orchard management practices, and the age of the trees. On average, a well-managed commercial avocado orchard can yield around 7,000 to 10,000 pounds (3,175 to 4,535 kilograms) of avocados per acre per year. However, some orchards have reported even higher yields, while others may have lower yields due to various factors. As per Dr. Sriniwas rao, In 1 acre, around 8 ton yield (40kg x 200 trees) is possible. So around 16 lakhs revenue (8000kg x Rs 200 per kg) is possible. Yield also keeps changing on alternate years! Having type A and B avocado varities in same orchard can help in maximizing yield.