Cultivation of avarekai in Kolar district is declining by 70% due to lack of rainfall

Cultivation of Avarekai (field bean), a seasonal household favorite in Karnataka, has declined sharply in Kolar district this year, with the area under cultivation falling by 70% due to insufficient rainfall during the southwest monsoon.

The crop, which was earlier grown on nearly 1,000 hectares in Bangarpet, Srinivaspura, Malur and other parts of Kolar district, is now spread over just 300 hectares, according to the agriculture department. The decline is attributed to insufficient rainfall, declining groundwater levels and dry weather conditions that discourage farmers from planting.

Avarekai is widely grown in Bengaluru Rural, Magadi, Ramanagara, Chickballapur, Doddaballapur, Kolar, Hunsur, Mysuru and Mandya. It is among the most popular seasonal vegetables in the state and is eaten in various variations from November to February. Avarekai delicacies are particularly popular, including avarekai sambar, dosa, upma and vade, often accompanied by ragi balls and mutton curry.

Reduced cultivation in Kolar could also affect supply to Bengaluru markets, leading to higher prices during the peak consumption season. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO

Manjula MN, Joint Director, Department of Agriculture, Kolar District, said that farmers usually start Avarekai sowing in August.

“Farmers usually start sowing and cultivating the crop during August when heavy rains arrive in the state. But this year, most farmers did not start cultivation due to insufficient rainfall. As a result, the cultivated area has drastically reduced from 1,000 hectares to 300 hectares. Water levels in borewells have also dropped due to poor rainfall,” she said.

Abhilash Reddy, a farmer from Kolar district, said Avarekai is generally grown as an intercrop alongside ragi, groundnut and others. However, lack of rainfall has affected sowing in the entire district and neighboring taluks.

“More than 50% farmers in Kolar district and surrounding taluks have either not started cultivation or have delayed sowing. Although Avarekai is a drought-tolerant crop, two to three seasons of rain after sowing are essential for good growth. Subsequently, soil moisture and winter mist or fog help the plants develop and produce good crops. However, the weather remains dry and hot this year.”

Reduced cultivation in Kolar could also affect supply to Bengaluru markets, leading to higher prices during the peak consumption season.

Mr. Reddy said that Avarekai and Idakida Bele (shelled field beans) currently available in Bengali markets are largely sourced from the Ramanagara region.

“As the cultivated area in Kolar is coming down significantly, the prices could go up to ₹100 per kg. The demand for Avarekai increases during Sankranti when households across the state buy it. Prices generally go up during the festival season,” he said.

As of November 1, fresh Avarekai was retailing at ₹80 to ₹88 per kg in Bengaluru markets, while Idakida Bele was significantly higher at ₹300 to ₹350 per kg across various vendors and quick trade platforms.

Deficit rainfall has also prompted several farmers to abandon Avarekai cultivation this season. Mohammad Ishaq, a farmer from Malur taluk, said he used to grow Avarekai alongside ragi on three acres but decided to grow only ragi this year due to lack of rain.

Nagaraju T., a farmer from Magadi, said Avarekai can be harvested up to five times from a single plant, making it a relatively viable crop even in dry seasons. However, sufficient moisture is essential for better quality and yield.

“I sowed the crop two months ago and now I am waiting for the yield. Due to erratic rainfall, I had to rely on borehole water to grow the crop on my five-acre farm. However, the distinctive aroma and taste will not be as good as beans grown after one or two rains,” he said.

He added that Bengaluru accounts for the major share of demand for fresh Avarekai and Idakida Bele during November, December and January. Magadi farmers, including him, take their produce to Bengaluru markets to meet the demand.

“With lower supply and strong demand, prices are likely to increase during this year’s Avarekai Mela,” he said.

Improved varieties, but precipitation remains crucial

Meanwhile, scientists at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru (UAS-B), GKVK campus, have developed improved varieties of Hebbal Avare, including HA 3, HA 4 and HA 5, to enable farmers to grow the crop throughout the year.

Mudalagiryappa, director of research, UAS-B, said, “HA 3 and HA 4 were introduced in the 1980s, while HA 5 was launched three years ago. These varieties are among the improved, high-yielding field bean varieties developed by the university.”

“Farmers can grow and harvest these varieties within 60 to 75 days. They are insensitive to light, which means their flowering and pod production do not depend on specific daily conditions. Most farmers in and around Bengaluru grow these varieties. They also retain the distinctive aroma and taste, or sogadu, associated with traditional regional varieties,” said Prof. Mudalagiryappa.

However, he emphasized that even the bred varieties require adequate soil moisture for a good harvest.

“Although these varieties can be grown all year round, they need sufficient moisture and rainfall. The reason is simple: when it rains, the yield of green pods is better,” he said.