Diamond hunting starts in Andhra's Rayalaseema region

Diamond hunting has recently commenced in the agricultural fields between Guntakal and Pathikonda areas, situated on the border between the Anantapur and Kurnool districts of the Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh, India. The hunt was sparked by a farmer's remarkable discovery of a precious diamond worth Rs 2 crore (approximately $280,000). The farmer, engaged in farming activities for the upcoming Kharif season, stumbled upon the diamond in Basinepalli, a village in the Tuggali Mandal.

The fortunate farmer wasted no time in capitalizing on his unexpected find. He promptly sold the diamond to a trader for the impressive sum of Rs 2 crore. This incident is not an isolated event, as parts of the Kurnool and Anantapur districts are renowned for diamond hunting during the monsoon season each year. The local community and diamond traders firmly believe that the initial rains of the season wash away the top layer of soil, leading to the emergence of these precious gemstones.

Historically, the Rayalaseema region has been associated with the trading of precious stones and diamonds, particularly during the prosperous reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The areas of Vajrakarur, Tuggali, Jonnagiri, Maddikera, Pagidirai, Peravali, Mahanadi, and Mahadevapuram have become favorites among diamond hunters. Enthusiasts from various parts of the Telugu states flock to these locations, driven by the desire to test their luck and potentially earn substantial profits.

The surge in diamond hunting has also impacted the local economy, particularly in the town of Gooty in the Anantapur district. Hotels and lodges in Gooty experience a significant increase in footfall as diamond hunters converge on the area, hoping for a prosperous outcome. Some individuals even opt to camp in makeshift tents in open areas between June and September, braving the elements in pursuit of valuable gems.

In 2021, three diamond hunters struck gold in the Jonnagiri village, unearthing precious stones with a collective value of Rs 2.4 crore. Moreover, in the previous year, a farmer reportedly sold a precious stone for approximately Rs 40 lakh, while another farmer successfully traded a 30-carat diamond for an impressive Rs 1.4 crore.

As the tradition of diamond hunting persists in the Rayalaseema region, it continues to captivate the hopes and aspirations of locals and visitors alike. The allure of finding a valuable gemstone beneath the soil's surface, coupled with the potential for financial gain, creates an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation among diamond hunters who venture into these fertile lands.