Rayalaseema’s diamond fever: Villagers rush to rain-washed fields in search of fortune

Rayalaseema: The early monsoon rains in the Rayalaseema region have sparked a surge of interest in diamond hunting, turning fields into bustling sites of fortune seeking for farmers and villagers in Kurnool and Anantapur districts. Alongside the kharif cultivation, many are now combing rain-washed lands in search of precious stones, including diamonds.

Areas such as Jonnagiri, Tuggali, and Peravali mandals--long famed for diamond discoveries--are witnessing an influx of villagers, traders, and outsiders eager to test their luck this season.

Entrepreneur Bharat Palod from Mahabubnagar in Telangana shared with PTI how diamond hunting has transformed his life. “I found my first stone in 2018, and this year I sold one for ₹8 lakh. Even finding a single stone can change your fortunes,” he said.

Similarly, social worker Deepika Dusakanti revealed how proceeds from a diamond sale of ₹5 lakh helped fund education for underprivileged children. “This year’s discovery worth ₹10 lakh will also support students,” she added.

Archaeology student Naman, who came to study Telugu history, said his finds would fund both his research and studies. “I found stones that will help me academically and financially,” he said.

A farmer from Chittoor, Godavariamma, travelled to Jonnagiri after seeing videos of diamond discoveries. “Although I arrived late, I am determined to continue searching. Finding a diamond would greatly support my family,” she explained.

Kurnool’s Deputy Inspector General of Police, Koya Praveen, noted the enduring folklore around diamonds in Kurnool and Anantapur. “Many migrants return during the monsoon to harvest diamonds. Despite the high sums involved, no crimes have been reported,” he said. He also mentioned that villagers often claim ownership of the land and sometimes resist outsiders, but major disputes remain rare.

This season, several high-value diamond finds have reignited excitement. Farm worker Venkateshwara Reddy from Peravali reportedly sold a diamond for ₹15 lakh to a local trader. Meanwhile, P Bajranglal, a landowner in Anantapur, said he owns over 40 acres where villagers search for diamonds. He expressed his support, providing water and food to seekers. “If these diamonds bring happiness to others, I fully support it,” he said.

In a standout discovery, Srinivasulu, a farmer from Maddikera mandal in Kurnool, reportedly sold a rare diamond for ₹2 crore to a trader syndicate — the highest-value find of the year. In Lower Chintalkonda village, Tuggali mandal, woman farmer Prasanna sold a shiny stone for ₹13.5 lakh after tense negotiations, uplifting her entire village’s spirits and inspiring renewed digging.

Diamond hunting traditionally peaks during the rainy months in regions such as Jonnagiri, Pagidirai, Erragudi, and Upparlapalli. Heavy rains expose buried stones, which are spotted by those combing the black-soil fields.

Despite occasional jackpot finds, most villagers return empty-handed after long hours of digging. Yet, the chance of a big discovery keeps thousands motivated each year.

Farmers and locals have raised concerns about exploitation by syndicates, who often offer low prices for stones, questioning their quality or threatening legal action to force down rates. In response, some locals have begun holding public auctions or advertising their finds on social media to secure better deals.

With no official regulation of sales, villagers are calling on the government to step in. “This is our seasonal livelihood. If the government can fix minimum prices for agricultural produce, why not for diamonds?” questioned Srinivasulu.

Officials admit the informal nature of the trade makes regulation difficult, but acknowledge growing calls for oversight.

The diamond culture in Rayalaseema has deep historical roots, with folklore tracing discoveries back centuries to when diamonds from the region were said to adorn the treasuries of the Vijayanagara kings.

For many, diamond hunting is a seasonal rhythm. After months of migration for work, families return home during the rains to try their luck in the fields, treating it as a form of “diamond farming.” They spend hours digging, washing soil, and sifting through stones, driven by faith, chance, and hope in a harsh landscape.

Though exploitation and unfair pricing remain challenges, diamond hunting endures as a unique and cherished tradition in Anantapur and Kurnool districts—where each monsoon revives the age-old quest for hidden fortunes beneath the rain-washed earth.