Aloe Vera: Nellore's Green Revolution

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-10-26 00:28:14 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 12:02:20

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In the lush farmlands of Nellore, a quiet revolution is underway. With the cost of cultivation soaring and traditional crops yielding diminishing returns, small-scale farmers are turning to a new, unlikely hero: Aloe Vera. This unassuming plant, known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties, is transforming the agricultural landscape, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges of modern farming.

The shift towards Aloe Vera cultivation is a strategic move, especially for small and marginal farmers. With better irrigation facilities and ample water sources from the Kandeleru and Somasila reservoirs, this drought-resistant crop is a practical choice. The Horticulture Department's encouragement further fuels the trend, as farmers in Podalakuru, Saidapuram, and AS Peta mandals embrace this new cash crop.

What makes Aloe Vera particularly appealing is its resilience and profitability. Pasupuleti Muni Kishore, a farmer from Podalakuru mandal, attests to its advantages. "Aloe Vera is a boon," he says, emphasizing its resistance to pests and adverse weather. With an initial investment of Rs 25,000, farmers can cultivate 6,000-7,000 plants per acre, yielding an average of six tonnes per acre. The financial returns are promising, with a tonne fetching Rs 3,500, directly procured by pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies.

As Aloe Vera cultivation expands, so does the local industry. Podalakuru mandal now boasts a processing unit, and two Aloe Vera-based industries operate in Inkurthi and Minagallu villages. This green revolution is not just about a crop; it's about empowering farmers, fostering local industry, and creating a sustainable, resilient agricultural ecosystem in Nellore.

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