Efforts Intensify to Secure GI Tag for Balanagar Custard Apple
Mahabubnagar, May 6, 2025 – A team of experts recently conducted an extensive field study in Mahabubnagar district to document the unique qualities of the world-renowned Balanagar custard apple, advancing efforts to obtain a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for this cherished fruit. Known for its exceptional flavor, aroma, and resilience, the Balanagar variety is poised to gain formal recognition that will preserve its heritage and boost the local economy.
The team, led by Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, Principal Investigator at Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, included Mr. Subhajit Saha, Head of the IP Division at Resolute for IP; P. Manohar Reddy, Assistant General Manager and District Development Manager at NABARD; and Pappu Narender Reddy, President of the Pomal Farmers Producer Company. Their mission was to evaluate the fruit’s distinct characteristics and natural distribution.
The study began with inspections of custard apple orchards along crop field bunds in Pomal, Kollur, Kesharavalpally, and Kothapalli villages in Nawabpet mandal. The team examined the trees’ growth patterns, fruit-bearing cycles, and traditional cultivation practices, which have preserved the Balanagar variety’s original traits for generations. They also visited forest areas near Kothapalli and Kalman Kalva in Chowdapur mandal, Vikarabad district, where the custard apple grows wild, showcasing its environmental adaptability and genetic diversity.
A key stop was the Pomal Farmers Producer Company’s custard apple processing plant in Pomal village, a vital hub for producing pulp, frozen products, and other value-added items for domestic and export markets. GI certification is expected to elevate this facility into a leading center for custard apple processing in South India.
Dr. Saidaiah reported that foundational data for the GI application has been submitted to the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, with the final application nearing completion. “We are confident that the Balanagar custard apple will soon earn its well-deserved GI tag,” he said.
Mr. Saha highlighted the fruit’s cultural significance, stating, “The Balanagar custard apple embodies the region’s identity and agricultural traditions. A GI tag will protect this legacy while fostering inclusive development.”
P. Manohar Reddy noted that the GI tag would be a first for any custard apple variety in South India, promising better market access, higher prices, and increased rural employment. “This recognition will enhance branding, traceability, and economic opportunities for farmers,” he said.
Pappu Narender Reddy emphasized the potential for expanded processing and export opportunities, adding, “A GI tag will strengthen our branding and attract more institutional buyers.”
The initiative saw active participation from the Pomal Yithu Producer Company team, including Vice President Gajendra Goud, Director Chandrakanth Reddy, and members Ram Reddy, Ramulu, Anjaneyulu, Shailendra Kumar, Ramesh, and Venkatesh Goud, alongside local farmers who shared their insights and aspirations.
Renowned for its thick pulp, high sweetness, and extended shelf life, the Balanagar custard apple thrives in the region’s semi-arid conditions with minimal chemical inputs, making it both sustainable and economically viable. As the GI application progresses, local stakeholders are optimistic that this recognition will elevate the Balanagar custard apple to global prominence, transforming the region’s agricultural landscape.
