PM Modi's latest GenZ outreach has an avocado toast. Sorry, twist

In an Instagram reel posted on Tuesday, PM Modi spoke about how the fruit has gradually found its way into Indian kitchens and dining tables, while also drawing attention to farmers who are experimenting with avocado cultivation.From premium import to cafe favourite: How avocado found a place on India’s tables (Photos: Instagram/PM Modi)Avocado, once a relatively unfamiliar fruit in Indian households, is increasingly finding its way onto dining tables, supermarket shelves and caf menus. From being seen as a premium imported fruit, it is now becoming part of India’s growing health-conscious food culture; and Indian farmers are beginning to grow it too.Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted this shift in an Instagram reel, sharing the story of an Andhra Pradesh farmer who turned to avocado cultivation after spotting the crop on a friend’s farm and learning more about it through YouTube.According to PM, farmer Karpa Varadaraj now produces around four tonnes of avocados and supplies them directly to local shops. His experience reflects how changing consumer preferences are opening up opportunities for farmers willing to experiment with newer crops.AVOCADO TOAST BECOMES A CAFE STAPLEPerhaps the most visible sign of avocado’s growing popularity is the rise of avocado toast. The dish is simple: toasted bread topped with mashed or sliced avocado, seasoning and, often, additions such as poached eggs, chilli flakes, seeds or feta. Yet its appeal goes beyond the plate. Avocado toast fits neatly into the food habits of younger urban consumers, particularly Gen Z. It is customisable, visually appealing and associated with a health-conscious lifestyle. A plate of creamy green avocado on crisp toast, topped with a runny egg and chilli flakes, has become almost synonymous with the modern cafe breakfast.Its popularity has also helped turn avocado into more than just an ingredient. It has become a recognisable feature of contemporary food culture.WHY AVOCADO IS CONSIDERED A HEALTHY CHOICE Avocado is known for its unsaturated fats and also provides dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. It can form part of a balanced meal when paired with ingredients such as wholegrain bread, eggs, vegetables or other sources of protein.Its creamy texture and versatility have further boosted its appeal, allowing it to be used in everything from toast and salads to dips and sandwiches.FROM IMPORTED FRUIT TO INDIAN CROPPM had also spoken about the changing demand for avocados during his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. “Hardly anyone knew about this fruit in the past and both its value and demand were low. However, today it is frequently seen on dining tables,” he said.The Prime Minister said avocado had become a preferred choice in health and premium markets and that the rising demand was benefiting farmers. He noted that some cultivators who previously grew other crops were now taking up avocado farming to earn additional income.HOW INDIA’S AVOCADO STORY IS CHANGINGAvocado’s journey in India is therefore not simply a story about a fashionable breakfast dish. It also reflects evolving eating habits, the expansion of premium and health-focused food markets and the willingness of farmers to experiment with crops that were once unfamiliar.For consumers, the change can be seen in something as simple as a cafe menu. For farmers, however, the growing appetite for the fruit could represent a new agricultural opportunity.From an imported premium fruit to an increasingly home-grown crop, avocado is quietly carving out a place in India’s food landscape.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 22:03 IST