India's New High-Yield Avocado Varieties Promise Bigger Harvests and Healthier Diets

Two new avocado varieties, Arka Supreme and Arka Coorg Ravi, have been developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bengaluru. These high-yielding types are designed to thrive in India’s tropical and subtropical regions. Both varieties promise strong productivity and adapt well to local growing conditions.

Avocado, originally from Central America, grows best in warm climates with well-drained, organic-rich soil. In India, states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and parts of the North-East provide ideal conditions for its cultivation.

The two new varieties differ in yield and fruit size. Arka Supreme produces 175 to 200 kilograms per plant each year, with each fruit weighing between 367 and 428 grams. Arka Coorg Ravi, on the other hand, yields 150 to 200 kilograms per plant, but its fruits are larger—ranging from 450 to 600 grams. Both varieties play a key role in pollination. Arka Supreme is a Type 'A' flower, while Arka Coorg Ravi is Type 'B', making them complementary for orchard management. Avocados are nutrient-dense, offering high calories, healthy fats, and fibre in a 100-gram serving. They are rich in Vitamins K and C, potassium, and monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, which support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins. The fruit is commonly eaten raw in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or as guacamole.

The introduction of Arka Supreme and Arka Coorg Ravi expands avocado farming opportunities in India. These varieties are expected to boost local production and meet growing demand for the fruit. Their high yields and nutritional benefits make them valuable additions to both agriculture and diets.