Custard apple farming is emerging as a profitable agricultural venture across India, particularly in drought-prone districts. Farmers who previously struggled with scarce water resources in regions like Kolar are finding renewed success by switching to this hardy, low-maintenance crop. Many who had previously migrated to cities for employment are now returning to their family farms, utilizing scientific cultivation methods to maximize their yields.
Custard apples have become a high-value export crop.
The crop’s ability to survive with minimal water and little reliance on pesticides makes it an ideal fit for challenging climates. Farmers are now utilizing advanced varieties that offer superior shelf life and flavor profiles compared to wild, traditional types. Ashoka Shivareddy, a farmer who transitioned from a career in AI to agriculture, reports significant harvests that have captured high demand both domestically and internationally.
Research institutes have played a pivotal role in this transformation. The Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) developed a hybrid variety called Arka Sahan, which significantly increased pulp recovery and shelf stability. This technological leap has allowed farmers to produce more usable fruit without expanding their land footprint.New varieties have opened up global trade routes.
Cultivator Navnath Malhari Kaspate spent decades experimenting to develop the NMK-01 variety, which is now exported to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe. Innovations in processing—such as pulp extraction and temperature-controlled shipping—have revolutionized the industry. As producers continue to invest in cold-chain logistics, the custard apple is fast becoming a staple of India’s agricultural export sector.
