Custard Apples: From Drought to Dollars

Farmers in drought-prone regions of India, like Kolar, are transforming their livelihoods by cultivating custard apples. Ashoka Shivareddy, returning to his family's farming roots, adopted a scientific approach, planting trees closely and selecting high-yield varieties. This strategy has led to significant increases in production, with yields reaching 25 tonnes annually, meeting a growing demand both in India and abroad.

Research institutions like the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) in Bangalore have developed hybrid varieties, such as Arka Sahan. These hybrids boast up to 70% pulp recovery, doubling usable harvest compared to traditional varieties, which often have lower pulp content and shorter shelf lives. Efforts are ongoing to improve pulp processing and preservation, addressing issues like browning for wider use in food products.

Maharashtra leads India's custard apple production, with cultivators like Navnath Malhari Kaspate developing improved varieties like NMK-01. This variety's enhanced shelf life and yield have enabled exports to previously inaccessible markets, including Europe. Exporters meticulously manage logistics, including pre-cooling and temperature-controlled transport, to maintain the fruit's delicate quality during its journey to international consumers.

While the fruit's hardiness allows it to grow in poor soil with minimal water, maximizing its potential for export and processing, particularly as pulp, requires significant investment in technology and infrastructure. This presents a shift from traditional, low-tech farming, requiring farmers to adapt to more advanced methods to capture the full value of this emerging superfruit.