Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Indian-grown avocados in his Mann Ki Baat radio address and posted an Instagram reel on Wednesday that said the fruit is growing more popular across the country.
- In the Instagram clip Modi named Andhra Pradesh grower Karpa Varadaraj and said he now produces about four tonnes of avocados and sells them to local shops.
- Avocado toast and other avocado dishes have become a visible choice for urban Gen Z and café menus, helping move the fruit from a niche imported item to a mainstream ingredient.
- Commercial cultivation is expanding in parts of India such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Nashik, with pilots including a Hass harvest by Harrisons Malayalam and farmers intercropping avocados with coffee and pepper.
- Nutrition experts note avocados are nutrient-dense and linked to heart-health benefits, and analysts say the prime minister’s spotlight could accelerate market demand, farm adoption and policy attention to supply, prices and extension support.