Avocado Farming

In humid tropical regions like South India, West Indian or West Indian–hybrid varieties perform best due to their heat tolerance.

Grafted avocado plants are highly recommended because they start bearing fruits much earlier than seed-grown trees.

Avocado trees thrive in mild temperatures (15–30°C) and must be protected from frost or extremely cold winds.

Choose well-drained soil rich in organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.

Farmers typically dig 60 × 60 × 60 cm pits, enrich them with compost or farmyard manure, and plant during the monsoon for better establishment.

Avocados do not tolerate waterlogging; therefore, drip irrigation is the most efficient method to maintain moisture without flooding.

Apply mulch—dry leaves, coconut husk, straw, or wood chips—to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and promote better root health.

Young avocado plants benefit from temporary shade crops such as banana or papaya during early growth.

Intercropping with low-maintenance crops like pepper, cardamom, pineapple, or ginger can generate income while the avocado trees are still immature.

Common challenges include root rot (Phytophthora), anthracnose, and fruit flies.

Improve drainage to prevent root rot and apply organic fungicides like copper-based sprays to manage fungal issues.

Use sticky traps or pheromone traps to monitor and control fruit flies.

Maintain a clean orchard floor and avoid excessive watering to reduce disease risk.

Grafted avocado trees typically start producing within 3–4 years, while seed-grown trees may take 7–8 years.

A healthy, mature tree can yield 150–500 fruits per year, depending on the variety, climate, and management practices.

Harvest fruits when they reach full size; avocados usually mature on the tree but ripen after picking