When Sudheer Naidu planted about 200 date palms at Bondalawada village of Anantapur district a dozen or so years ago, he was laughed at by other farmers. However, four years later, when the farm reaped profits, many Andhra Pradesh farmers followed in his footsteps and began cultivating dates.
Andhra Pradesh is well-known for its abundant mango production, but is experiencing a shift in agriculture practices. Districts like Chittoor, Anantapur, and Nandyal, previously renowned for mango cultivation, are now witnessing a growing trend among farmers who are prioritising the cultivation of exotic fruit varieties like dates. Because, as unseasonal rainfall affects mango yield year after year, they are going for climate resilient crops such as date palm.
Source: thesouthfirst.com