Balanagar Custard Apple Gains Spotlight: Telangana Pushes for GI Tag to Boost Market and Farmers’ Income
Telangana, known for its agricultural diversity, is witnessing a renewed interest in the custard apple (Annona squamosa L.), locally known as sitaphal. A seasonal delight, this fruit, once taken for granted due to its abundant availability, has now become a prized commodity. The increased awareness about its nutritional value, combined with its suitability for low-water, pesticide-free cultivation, has elevated its status among farmers and consumers alike.
Current Scenario and Challenges
Custard apple cultivation in Telangana spans forested areas such as Nallamala, Mulugu, Utnoor, and Palvancha. Despite its popularity, local production often falls short of demand. Of India’s total 1,28,932 acres under custard apple cultivation, Telangana accounts for only 2,291 acres, ranking seventh. Comparatively, Maharashtra leads with 42,960 acres.
Due to limited local production, Telangana heavily relies on imports from Maharashtra and Bengaluru to meet more than 70% of its demand for fruits and vegetables, according to traders from Jambagh and Moazzamjahi Market. Mohammed Hussain, a fruit vendor, lamented the decline of traditional cultivation areas like Jalpally and Kukatpally, now replaced by real estate developments.
The Balanagar Variety: A Unique Treasure
The Balanagar variety of custard apple, native to Mahabubnagar district, is celebrated for its distinctive qualities. With large, sweet, and pulp-rich fruits, this variety thrives in the region’s unique soil and climatic conditions. Each tree yields 8–20 kilograms of fruit, with an average fruit weight of 339 grams. Laboratory tests reveal high nutritional value, including total sugars at 26.22% and energy-rich carbohydrates at 29.57%.
The variety is cultivated across six mandals and 30 villages in Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, and Vikarabad districts. Thousands of farmers, particularly tribal communities, rely on its collection during the harvest season from August to November. The Balanagar custard apple trade generates approximately ₹10 crore in just 45 days, employing 9,000–10,000 people directly and another 20,000 indirectly.
Efforts to Boost Cultivation and Market Access
Telangana’s horticulture department, in collaboration with the central Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, has been promoting custard apple cultivation. Farmers are incentivized with subsidies of ₹42,800 per hectare and encouraged to grow high-yield varieties like NMK-01 (Golden), developed in Maharashtra. However, some farmers report challenges in achieving profitability despite the incentives.
Dr. Danda Rajireddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, noted ongoing efforts to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Balanagar custard apple. Financial assistance of ₹12.7 lakh from NABARD is supporting this initiative. The GI tag would provide legal protection, prevent misuse of the name, and ensure farmers receive premium prices, potentially 15–20% higher.
Future Prospects
Geographical identification is expected to enhance the custard apple’s marketability both locally and nationally. Currently, Balanagar custard apples are sold in major markets across Hyderabad, Mahabubnagar, Bengaluru, and cities in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. Officials believe the GI tag could lead to the establishment of processing plants, further boosting employment and income for local farmers.
Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, a principal researcher, highlighted that extensive studies are underway to document the Balanagar variety’s characteristics and historical significance. DNA sampling, nutrient profiling, and evidence collection are part of the GI registration process. The collaboration of farmer groups and organizations like the Palamuru Rythu Upayak Society is pivotal in this endeavor.
As Telangana anticipates the fruition of these efforts, the Balanagar custard apple stands poised to secure its rightful place as a symbol of the state’s agricultural heritage and economic potential.
