Why in news? Scientists at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) in Kodagu have developed a new variety called ‘Arka Coorg Ravi’, that will further improve coffee-based avocado cultivation in the district.

Highlights:

• The new variety will have 80% pulp and the rest seed, making the fruit profitable for farmers.
• The fruit is grown on about 500 hectares in Kodagu amidst the coffee plantations and the area of cultivation has seen a rise in recent years
• Farmers from different parts of Karnataka and also from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have been purchasing avocado saplings or grafts to grow in their State.

Crop Diversification

• Since Kodagu district saw two natural calamities (2018 and 2019), caused huge losses to farmers, especially coffee growers, they are now growing avocados on the coffee plantations.
• As part of crop diversification, the farmers are growing ‘Coorg mandarin’ oranges, grown as a mixed crop on the estates along with coffee and black pepper.
• The Coorg mandarin cultivation is coming down due to the threat of citrus greening disease.

About Avocados

• Medium-sized, evergreen tree in the laurel family
• Native : America and was first domesticated by Mesoamerican tribes
• Likely originated in the highlands bridging south-central Mexico and Guatemala.
• This trees are partially self-pollinating, and are often propagated through grafting to maintain consistent fruit output.
• They are presently cultivated in the tropical and Mediterranean climates of many countries.
• Leading producer : Mexico
• Major Production : Chile, Mexico and California
• Health Benefit : Miracle fruit for its health and nutritional benefits, huge demand in the cosmetic industry and are used in many skincare products

Avocados in India

• Grown scattered in southern tropical states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
• It grows plenty in hill stations of India.
• Common fruit in Ooty, Coorg, Coonoor, Yercaudyand Kodaikanal in South India
• They are grown at higher elevations frequently, to prevent soil erosion.
• Can withstand poor drainage and water logging