Avarekai cultivation in Kolar district drops by 70% amid rainfall deficit

Avarekai is among the most popular seasonal vegetables in the State, and is consumed in various preparations between November and February.

The cultivation of Avarekai (field beans), a seasonal favourite in Karnataka households, has declined sharply in Kolar district this year, with the area under cultivation dropping by 70% amid deficient rainfall during the southwest monsoon.

The crop, which was earlier cultivated across nearly 1,000 hectares in Bangarpet, Srinivaspura, Malur and other parts of Kolar district, is now spread across only about 300 hectares, according to the Department of Agriculture. The decline is attributed to inadequate rainfall, depleting groundwater levels and dry weather conditions, which have discouraged farmers from taking up sowing.

Avarekai is widely cultivated 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 consumed in various preparations between November and February. Avarekai delicacies, including avarekai sambar, dosa, upma and vade, are particularly popular, often accompanied by ragi balls and mutton curry.

The reduced cultivation in Kolar could also affect supplies to Bengaluru markets, potentially leading to increase in prices during the peak consumption season.

Manjula M.N., Joint Director of the Department of Agriculture, Kolar district, said that the farmers generally begin sowing Avarekai in August.

“Farmers usually start sowing and cultivating the crop during August when the State receives good rains. However, this year, most farmers have not taken up cultivation due to inadequate rainfall. Consequently, the area under cultivation has drastically reduced from 1,000 hectares to 300 hectares. Water levels in borewells have also declined because of the poor rainfall,” she said.

Abhilash Reddy, a farmer from Kolar district, said that the Avarekai is generally cultivated as an intercrop alongside ragi, groundnut and others. However, the lack of rainfall has affected sowing across the district and neighbouring taluks.

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

The reduced cultivation in Kolar could also affect supplies to Bengaluru markets, potentially leading to increase in prices during the peak consumption season.

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

“With the area under cultivation declining significantly in Kolar, prices could rise to ₹100 per kg. Demand for Avarekai increases during Sankranti, when it is purchased by households across the State. Prices generally rise during the festival season,” he said.

As of November 1, fresh Avarekai was sold at a retail price of ₹80 to ₹88 per kg in the Bengaluru markets, while Idakida Bele was priced considerably higher at ₹300 to ₹350 per kg across different sellers and quick-commerce platforms.

The rainfall deficit has also prompted several farmers to abandon the Avarekai cultivation this season. Mohammad Ishaq, a farmer from Malur taluk, said he had previously cultivated Avarekai alongside ragi on three acres but had opted to grow only ragi this year due to the lack of rain.

Nagaraju T., a farmer from Magadi, said that the Avarekai could be harvested up to five times from a single plant, making it a relatively viable crop even during periods of drought. However, adequate moisture is essential for better quality and yield.

“I sowed the crop two months ago and am now waiting for the yield. Due to irregular rainfall, I had to depend on borewell water to cultivate the crop on my five-acre farm. However, the distinctive aroma and flavour will not be as good as that of beans cultivated after one or two spells of rain,” he said.

He added that Bengaluru accounts for a major share of the demand for fresh Avarekai and Idakida Bele during November, December and January. Farmers from Magadi, including himself, transport their produce to Bengaluru markets to meet the demand.

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

Improved varieties, but rainfall remains crucial

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

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

“Farmers can grow these varieties and harvest the crop within 60 to 75 days. They are photo-insensitive, which means their flowering and pod production are not dependent on specific day-length conditions. Most farmers in and around Bengaluru cultivate these varieties. They also retain the distinctive aroma and taste, or sogadu, associated with traditional regional varieties,” Prof. Mudalagiriyappa said.

However, he emphasised that even improved varieties require adequate soil moisture for a good harvest.

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