In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a young and passionate farmer is redefining the future of Indian agriculture. Harshit Godha, a 26-year-old progressive farmer whose innovative approach to farming has led him to achieve an extraordinary turnover of ₹1 crore in just one year from a just 1000 square meter polyhouse.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Global Inspiration
Harshit’s journey began far from the fields—he studied in the United Kingdom, where he developed a deep interest in health and fitness. This passion led him to discover the immense nutritional benefits of avocados, often referred to as butter fruit. Inspired by Israel’s advanced avocado farming techniques, Harshit decided to bring this global superfruit to Indian soil. He established a specialized avocado nursery in Bhopal in which he imported high-quality avocado plants directly from Israel.
The Business of Avocados: Riding the Health Wave
With the rising awareness around fitness and nutrition in the whole world, the demand for avocados in India is growing rapidly. Harshit believes this trend mirrors what has already happened in many Western countries, and he sees immense potential for avocado cultivation in India. “It’s just the beginning,” he shares, confident that Indian consumers will soon embrace avocados as a staple in their diets.
Science-Backed Cultivation: Quality is Key
Harshit emphasizes the importance of commercial rootstocks and high-quality plants to ensure better yields and long tree life. He shares that different varieties of avocado thrive under different climatic conditions:
- Hass and Lamps: Suitable for temperatures between 5°C to 35°C
- Pinkerton, Ettinger, and Reed: Ideal for regions where temperatures exceed 35°C
This scientific approach to cultivation sets Harshit apart, allowing him to grow avocados successfully in controlled polyhouse conditions.
Investment, Planting & Maintenance
On average, 160 to 170 plants can be grown in one acre of land. The cost of a single plant ranges between ₹3,000 to ₹50,000, depending on its quality. Drip irrigation is critical for avocado plants, especially in hotter regions where water needs are higher. Harshit advises maintaining a water pH of around 6.5 and TDS below 500 for optimal growth.
From Sapling to Fruit: Patience Pays
Avocado plants begin fruiting around three years after planting, with a spacing requirement of 3.5 meters by 7 meters between plants. The main recurring expenses include irrigation, fertilizers, labor, and electricity.
Profits and Projections
While the initial investment can be substantial—with fixed and running costs estimated at ₹1 lakh per acre—the returns can be rewarding. It may take five to six years to break even, but once the plants mature, a single acre can yield up to six tons of avocados. Green skin varieties can fetch at least ₹100 per kg, while black skin varieties like Hass can go up to ₹200 per kg, making avocado cultivation a highly profitable Business.
Challenges in Avocado Farming
Despite the promising returns, Harshit doesn’t shy away from discussing the risks. Issues like waterlogging and Phytophthora root rot can severely impact plant health. He stresses the importance of proper pest and disease management to ensure healthy growth and long-term success.
Harshit Godha’s story is a shining example of how young Indian farmers are leveraging global knowledge, scientific farming practices, and market trends to build sustainable and profitable agribusinesses. His ₹1 crore success from a 1000 sq. meter polyhouse proves that with the right mindset, innovation, and dedication, Indian agriculture has the potential to reach new heights.
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