With more than a month of the custard apple season underway in India, Maharashtra's dry belt remains an important hub for the crop, particularly as harvesting activity gathers pace. Abhijit Patil, a farmer, cultivates custard apples on his five-acre plot, eyeing both domestic and select international markets with measured optimism.
"There is strong domestic demand right now, especially for the local Gauran variety, which runs from June to October. But it is the golden custard apple that is making headway in exports, with its fewer seeds, rich texture, and golden-hued skin when ripe," Patil says. "Size and cleanliness drive purchase decisions," he adds, emphasizing the export market's preference for large, pest-free fruit.
Exports of the golden custard variety are growing steadily, particularly to the UAE, Canada, and Bangladesh. "The golden variety is especially prized in Gulf countries for use in desserts like rabdi," Patil highlights. Last season, he exported over 13 tonnes to Bangladesh in the first week of October during the festive season of Navratri, a particularly high-demand window.
© Trimurti Fruit Company
"Early-season fruit always fetches a better price. Last year, we earned up to three dollars per kilo," he shares. Patil is targeting around 20 tonnes this season as he banks on similar early-season pricing, buoyed by lower volumes caused by excessive early rains. Despite strong overseas demand, challenges persist. "Golden custard apples are prone to insect damage if not carefully managed post-harvest, which can result in rejected shipments. The initial flowers were affected by heavy rains this year, so volumes will be down, but rates should be strong," Patil says.
"Domestic expansion is also on the rise, though production remains largely concentrated in regions like Solapur, Satara, and Sangli. Southern states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, are growing destinations for supply, although these areas do not cultivate the golden variety themselves."
"Custard apples do not need much water, which is why they thrive across the drought-prone districts of Maharashtra," Patil explains. Still, according to him, limited awareness among farmers and a lack of export support from policymakers restricts custard apples' export growth potential. "There's no clear protocol for custard apple exports to Western markets like the USA. Small farmers also do not have access to cold chains or processing, and government support is minimal," he adds.
© Trimurti Fruit Company
"With the season running from September to February, India's golden custard apples are slowly making their mark internationally, driven by hardworking growers like me and demand from diaspora-driven markets," Patil concludes.
For more information:
Abhijeet Patil
Trimurti Fruit Company
Tel: +91-98765-43212
Email: [email protected]
