Diamond rush sweeps Andhra villages this monsoon

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.

 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.

Kurnool DIG Koya Praveen said folklore about diamonds in Kurnool and Anantapur districts persists. “People migrate for work, return during the monsoon, and harvest diamonds. No crimes have been reported despite high sums involved,” He said that villagers claim the lands as their own and sometimes resist outsiders entering. This season, reports of multiple high-value diamonds have renewed excitement.

Villagers said the sale brought cheer not just to her family but to the entire village, inspiring many others to resume digging in rain-washed fields. Despite some success stories, most villagers return empty-handed after days of digging and yet, the occasional jackpot keeps thousands motivated to try their luck every year.

Authorities don’t regulate sales, while locals insist that the government should intervene to ensure fair pricing and protect villagers from exploitation. 

Even today, many villagers describe diamond hunting as part of their seasonal rhythm. After months of migration for work, families return home during the rains to try their luck in the fields. Officials noted that villagers treat the activity like “diamond farming.” They spend hours digging, washing soil, and combing through stones in hopes of uncovering the prized gems.