India occupies top position worldwide in custard apple production

Warm and dry climates are ideal for the cultivation of custard apples, and they can flourish even in areas with limited irrigation. Cultivation of custard apple takes place in Maharashtra, in dryland districts such as Beed, Aurangabad, Jalna, and Osmanabad. The fruit is grown on about 105,000 hectares, producing around 1.27 million tonnes every year all over the country.

In Telangana, the harvest season is from August to October; at that time fresh fruits fill the markets. Farmers and researchers are also working to improve the crop quality. For example, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) has developed a hybrid variety called Arka Sahan. This variety has been giving high yields, and its pulp quality is better.

Lack of cold storage and infrastructure are the biggest hurdles for the farmers. Custard apple is a perishable item, so it can’t remain fresh outside cold storage for a long period. Eco-friendly packaging is also essential for keeping the fruit fresh and reducing waste. The demand for this fruit has been increasing; that would increase farmers’ income.