The Growing Popularity of Custard Apple: A Sustainable Farming Success Story
The rise of the fruit that tastes like custard
The Bbc
Image: The Bbc
In Kolar district, Karnataka, India, Ashoka Shivareddy revived his family's farming legacy by cultivating custard apples, a drought-resistant fruit. With innovative techniques and hybrid varieties, he and other farmers are meeting rising demand both domestically and internationally, while overcoming challenges like shelf life and transportation.
- 01Ashoka Shivareddy transitioned from software engineering to farming custard apples, producing about 25 tonnes in the latest harvest.
- 02The hybrid variety Arka Sahan, developed by the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, offers 70% pulp recovery compared to 30% in traditional varieties.
- 03Maharashtra produces nearly a third of India's custard apples, with farmers like Navnath Kaspate developing high-yield varieties like NMK-01, leading to successful exports to Europe and the Gulf.
- 04Exporting custard apples requires precise logistics due to their sensitivity to heat, necessitating refrigerated transport and careful planning.
- 05Shivareddy aims to establish a pulp processing unit to utilize unsold fruit, highlighting the need for technological advancements in custard apple farming.
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In Kolar district, Karnataka, Ashoka Shivareddy has revitalized his family's farming legacy by cultivating custard apples, a fruit known for its custard-like taste and drought resistance. After moving to Bengaluru and working as an AI engineer, he returned to farming in 2018, focusing on maximizing yield through scientific methods. His innovative approach has led to a production increase from 20 tonnes to 25 tonnes annually. The Indian Institute of Horticulture Research has developed a hybrid variety, Arka Sahan, which boasts a 70% pulp recovery, significantly improving marketability. Maharashtra is the leading custard apple producer, with farmers like Navnath Kaspate pioneering high-yield varieties such as NMK-01, which has opened up export opportunities to Europe and the Gulf. However, exporting custard apples is complex due to their sensitivity to heat, requiring meticulous logistics. Shivareddy plans to expand his business by processing pulp from unsold fruit, emphasizing the need for technological advancements in the sector. As demand for custard apples rises, farmers face the challenge of adapting to modern agricultural practices.
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The rise in custard apple farming is boosting local economies in drought-prone areas by providing sustainable income sources.
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