Outlook Business Desk
Farmers and villagers in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region rush to fields in Kurnool and Anantapur during monsoon to search for diamonds while tending their kharif crops. Heavy rains wash away the topsoil, revealing hidden gems and turning farmland into temporary treasure-hunting grounds.
Villages such as Jonnagiri, Tuggali and Peravali come alive during the monsoon as farmers, villagers, and traders gather in the fields, hoping to spot hidden diamonds. Each year, seasonal rains uncover these precious stones, keeping a decades-old tradition of diamond hunting alive and exciting for the community.
Diamond hunting in Rayalaseema has a rich history going back to the Vijayanagara Empire. This region, within the Kurnool-Cuddapah-Bellary belt, has long been famous for precious stones. Nearby Golconda mines added to its historic wealth, attracting generations of farmers and treasure hunters even today.
Diamond hunters in Jonnagiri village struck big in recent years. In 2021, three hunters discovered stones valued at ₹2.4 crore, according to Business Standard and IANS. In 2022, a farmer sold a precious stone for around ₹40 lakh, while another reportedly earned ₹1.4 crore for a 30-carat diamond.
In Jonnagiri last year, farmer Boya Ramanjaneyulu stumbled upon a diamond while tending his fields. A local trader reportedly gave him ₹12 lakh along with five tolas of gold. Others have also earned significant amounts of money by selling diamonds discovered during the monsoon.
Telangana entrepreneur Bharat Palod told PTI that even finding a single stone can change your life. He first discovered a diamond in 2018, which transformed his fortunes. This monsoon, he sold another diamond for ₹8 lakh, benefiting once again from diamond hunting.
Meanwhile, many farmers also return home empty-handed after long days of searching Rayalaseema’s black soil, but stories of big finds keep them coming back every monsoon. This season, Venkateshwara Reddy from Peravali sold a diamond for ₹15 lakh, and Srinivasulu in Kurnool earned about ₹2 crore for a rare stone, making headlines across the region.
In Rayalaseema, the diamond trade is largely unregulated, which can put farmers at risk of exploitation. Villagers are urging the government to step in to ensure fair pricing and protect them, as traders sometimes offer low amounts or dispute a stone’s quality, showing the need for proper safeguards.