Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Aug 25 (PTI) The initial rains in Andhra Pradesh's Rayalaseema region have sparked a season of opportunity for farmers and villagers in Kurnool and Anantapur districts, where the search for precious stones, particularly diamonds, has gained momentum alongside the kharif cultivation.
The rain-washed lands in Jonnagiri, Tuggali, and Peravali mandals, famous for past diamond discoveries, are attracting not just locals but also traders and outsiders eager to try their luck this season.
"Even if you pick a stone, it may turn your fortunes," says Bharat Palod, an entrepreneur from Mahabubnagar district in Telangana, highlighting that tales of ordinary farmers becoming millionaires and billionaires have spurred tremendous interest in the region.
Palod shared how diamond hunting transformed his life. "I found my first piece in 2018 and this year I sold one for Rs 8 lakh,” he recounted.
Deepika Dusakanti, a social worker, shared her experience of selling a diamond for Rs 5 lakh to fund education for underprivileged children. "This year’s Rs 10 lakh discovery will again fund students’ education," she mentioned.
Naman, an archaeology student, came to study Telugu history but ended up finding stones that will finance his studies and aid his research. "I found stones that will both fund my studies and serve research purposes," he told PTI.
Godavariamma, a farmer from Chittoor, journeyed to Jonnalagiri after viewing videos of diamond discoveries. "Though I came late, I will continue searching. If I find one, it will support my family’s needs," she said.
Kurnool DIG Koya Praveen described the enduring local folklore about diamonds in Kurnool and Anantapur districts. "People migrate for work, return during the monsoon, and harvest diamonds. No crimes have been reported despite high sums involved," he told PTI.
While villagers claim the lands as their own and occasionally resist outsiders, "no major disputes or criminal incidents" regarding diamond hunting have been reported so far.
This season, reports of numerous high-value diamond finds have reignited excitement in the area.
Farm worker Venkateshwara Reddy from Peravali village reportedly sold a diamond for Rs 15 lakh to a local trader.
P Bajranglal, a landowner in Anantapur district, noted that his 40-acre land has become a hotspot for diamond seekers, and he has no objections. He even provides water and food to those who come searching for diamonds. "If these diamonds bring happiness to others’ lives, I fully support it," he said.
In Maddikera mandal, farmer Srinivasulu's rare diamond discovery allegedly sold for Rs 2 crore to a trader syndicate, making regional headlines. Officials cited it as the most valuable diamond found this year.
Meanwhile, in Tuggali mandal's Lower Chintalkonda village, farmer Prasanna discovered a shiny stone while plowing her fields. After tense negotiations, she sold it for Rs 13.5 lakh to a local trader. The sale brought cheer not just to her family but inspired the entire village.
Rainy months typically see a rise in diamond hunts within the Jonnagiri, Pagidirai, Erragudi, and Upparlapalli regions of Rayalaseema as heavy rains uncover buried stones. Despite some success, most villagers return from days of digging without finding gems, yet the occasional jackpot keeps thousands motivated yearly.
Villagers have complained that traders’ syndicates exploit them by offering low prices, citing quality doubts or threatening legal actions. In recent years, locals have countered by holding small public auctions or advertising finds on social media, securing better deals.
Despite the informal nature of this trade, there are increasing calls for government intervention to ensure fair prices and protect villagers from exploitation. "This is our seasonal livelihood. If the government can fix a minimum price for agricultural produce, why not for diamonds?" questioned Srinivasulu.
Authorities admitted the trade occurs informally without regulation, complicating government involvement. Nonetheless, local calls for a regulatory framework grow stronger.
The diamond culture in the region has roots deep in history. Folklore traces discoveries back centuries, with diamonds once reported to have adorned the royal treasuries of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Villagers view diamond hunting as a seasonal tradition. After months away for work, families return home with the rains to try their luck—a rhythm they liken to “diamond farming.” They spend hours digging, washing soil, and examining stones in hopes of finding prized gems.
Farmers argue that exploitation persists, with valuable stones often purchased at low prices and resold for significant profits. Yet, despite the challenges, diamond hunting remains a unique seasonal ritual in Anantapur and Kurnool districts. Driven by chance, faith, and persistence in tough conditions, it remains largely unorganized, propelled by hope and folklore, as monsoons once again transform these districts into a mecca for diamond seekers.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)