India’s Avocado Industry Takes Root as Entrepreneurs Pursue Import-Quality Standards

Leading Indian entrepreneurs are investing in local avocado cultivation to match the quality and consistency of imported fruit, a move that could transform the country’s agricultural landscape. Harshit Godha, founder of Indo-Israel Avocado Nursery in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, launched his business in 2021 following a month-long study of Israeli avocado farming techniques. Since then, he has supplied approximately 18,000 saplings of international varieties, such as Hass and Pinkerton, to farmers across India.

Godha highlights Israel as a key model due to its advanced technology, despite the country having minimal rainfall for eight months of the year and only about 13,000 hectares dedicated to avocado growth. This expertise is crucial for shifting away from traditional Indian methods, where avocados were typically grown as shade trees among other crops.

Establishing a commercial orchard requires significant technical knowledge. Unlike traditional planting, commercial trees must be grafted, combining a rootstock selected for local climate tolerance with an upper section that determines fruit variety. Once established, these trees demand rigorous maintenance, including aggressive pruning to keep harvest heights manageable, as trees can reach 25 feet within six to seven years.

A critical factor for success is pollination. Avocado trees cannot self-pollinate; therefore, two different varieties must be planted in close proximity so that one acts as a female while the other releases male pollen simultaneously. Godha warns that incorrect planting ratios can lead to total crop failure, regardless of irrigation technology, distinguishing highly profitable orchards from those that fail in practice.