THE early rains in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh have turned into a season of fortune seeking for farmers and villagers in Kurnool and Anantapur districts, where hunting for precious stones, including Diamonds, has intensified alongside kharif cultivation. Rain-washed lands in Jonnagiri, Tuggali, and Peravali mandals, long known for diamond discoveries, are drawing crowds of villagers, traders, and outsiders eager to test their luck this season. “Even if you pick a stone, it may turn your fortunes,” Bharat Palod, an entrepreneur from Mahabubnagar district in Telangana, told PTI, adding that stories of ordinary farmers turning millionaires and billionaires fuel widespread interest in the region.

 

Palod said the precious stone hunting has changed his life. “I found my first piece in 2018 and this year I sold one for Rs 8 lakh”, he said. Deepika Dusakanti, a social worker, recalled how she previously sold a diamond for Rs 5 lakh to fund education of underprivileged children. “This year’s discovery worth Rs 10 lakh will again go for students’ benefit,” she said.