The search for diamonds began once again as people flock to Tuggali, Jonnagiri, Maddikera of Kurnool district and nearby mandals along with Anantapur district ahead of monsoon rains.
Locals, farmers along with people in surrounding districts are trying their luck this time around as Andhra Pradesh, particularly Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Krishna, Guntur districts account for a significant percentage of India’s diamond resources.
Two agricultural workers and a farmer chanced upon diamonds in Jonnagiri and sold it to a local merchant, earning them Rs.6 lakh for one diamond and five tolas of gold. On Saturday too, a farmer found a diamond in Hampa of Maddikera Mandal, and the trader bought it for Rs.5 lakh. It is estimated that up to four diamonds have been found within two days. Traders field their agents near the fields and buy diamonds as soon as they are found.
Records broken in previous years:
In June 2023, a farmer found a big diamond which was sold for Rs 2 crore in Basinepalli village, Maddikera mandal of Kurnool district. Three hunters had struck riches in 2021 to the tune of Rs 2.4 crore after chancing upon precious stones in Jonnagiri. Another farmer sold a 30-carat diamond for Rs 1.4 crore. Similar stones were found in 2020 and 2019, when farmers made a good profit.
Vijayanagara empire:
The diamonds come up to the surface when the first rain of the season washes away the top layer of the soil. Rayalaseema was known for trading precious stones and diamonds during the Vijayanagara empire and in contemporary times, hunters from various parts of Telugu states have thronged to these areas to try their luck and make money.
Between June and September, hunters set up makeshift tents in the region to maximise their gains. Law enforcement officials are not known to interfere in the trading as merchants fix deals with the help of middlemen.
Andhra Pradesh, particularly Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Krishna, Guntur districts account for a significant percentage of India’s diamond resources. Andhra Pradesh States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
