In Maharashtra’s drought-prone Beed district, where farming is often a struggle due to scorching temperatures and water scarcity, Parmeshwar Thorat has defied the odds. By cultivating avocados with smart farming techniques, he now earns Rs 10 lakh per acre, proving that even in one of India’s harshest agricultural environments, innovation and perseverance can yield success. Here’s how he made it happen—and how you can too.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Variety
Parmeshwar’s journey began in 2018 when he visited Bengaluru and discovered the Arka Supreme variety, which thrives 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 made it the ideal choice for his farm.
Step 2: Preparing the Land
Beed’s soil quality and water scarcity posed major challenges, but Parmeshwar tackled them head-on. He dug pits measuring two feet by two feet across 0.75 acres and enriched them with cow dung manure before planting the saplings. “I knew the soil needed enrichment,” he explains. This organic preparation ensured the young avocado plants had the nutrients needed to thrive.
Step 3: Installing Drip Irrigation and Water Conservation Measures
Water conservation is critical in dry regions, so Parmeshwar installed a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing wastage. To supplement this, he built a pond on his farm to collect and store rainwater for use during dry months. “We collect as much rainwater as possible during the monsoon and use it in the dry season,” he says. This system keeps the farm sustainable year-round.
Step 4: Transitioning to Organic Farming
Initially using chemical fertilisers, Parmeshwar later switched to organic methods, fertilising his plants with cow dung manure and natural compost. This approach not only improved the taste and quality of his avocados but also aligned with the growing demand for organic produce.
Step 5: Grafting for Better Yields
To enhance productivity, Parmeshwar adopted grafting, a technique that combines the root system of one plant with the shoot of another for stronger, more resilient trees. In 2022, he grafted 250 saplings, ensuring a higher and more consistent yield for the future. “Grafting helps extend the lifespan of the plants,” he explains.
Step 6: Harvesting and Selling Avocados
After years of careful planning and dedication, Parmeshwar harvested his first avocados in 2021. By 2022, his 50 trees were producing fruit, and demand for locally grown avocados soared. By 2023, he harvested over 1,200 kg, generating a healthy profit.
Lessons for Farmers in Drought-Prone Regions
Parmeshwar’s success offers valuable insights for other farmers facing similar challenges:
- Choose the Right Variety: Opt for heat- and drought-resistant avocado varieties like Arka Supreme.
- Improve Soil Health: Enrich soil with organic manure like cow dung compost for better growth.
- Prioritise Water Conservation: Use drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to optimise water use.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Avocado trees take time to mature, but the long-term benefits outweigh the wait.
Through innovative thinking and sustainable practices, Parmeshwar Thorat has shown that even in the toughest conditions, agriculture can be transformed into a profitable and environmentally friendly venture. His story serves as an inspiration for farmers looking to explore unconventional crops in challenging climates.