Pune: The cultivation of custard apples is witnessing significant growth in the Indapur taluka, alongside traditional crops such as grapes, pomegranates, and guavas.
Currently, approximately 1,700 hectares are dedicated to custard apple farming in the region, with the season nearing its conclusion.
Farmers in Indapur have faced challenges this year due to continuous rainfall impacting the custard apple market in South India, which is known for having the largest demand for this fruit. Despite these challenges, they have achieved an average market price of ₹65 per kilogram.
Dattatreya Karche, a custard apple producer from Kauthali, explained that the crop flourishes in dry, light sandy soils. The geographical conditions in Indapur are well-suited for custard apple cultivation, leading to increased interest among local farmers.
Compared to other fruit crops, custard apples have fewer disease issues and require less pesticide spraying, allowing for reduced production costs and better profitability.
Karche manages a five-acre orchard of the 'Golden' variety, where planting at a spacing of 10 by 15 feet allows for around 350 plants per acre. The production cost per acre is approximately ₹1 lakh, and larger orchards can yield up to 15 tons.
Younger orchards may yield around 10 tons per acre. With favorable market prices, farmers can potentially earn up to ₹3.5 lakhs per acre from custard apples.
Despite these profits, farmers face delays in payments from processing factories, leading to frustration over inadequate compensation for their efforts. This year, Karche reported total expenses of ₹5.5 lakhs for fertilizers, labor, and pruning.
The harvest began 15 days ago, with about 11 tons of custard apples shipped to major markets in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Patna, Delhi, and Kerala. Prices have fluctuated, with the highest recorded at ₹110 and the lowest ranging between ₹40 and ₹45.
However, as more produce flooded the market, some areas experienced price drops. Custard apple crops are susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases, but their prevalence has been relatively low in the Indapur region historically, although it has increased recently.
Karche noted that the 'Golden' variety has a tipping period of six to seven days, making it suitable for transport to distant markets. As winter approaches, the trees begin to shed leaves, necessitating the application of organic fertilizers.
Dr. Yuvraj Balgude, a plant pathologist involved with the All India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Horticulture, emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal growing conditions for custard apples, especially in the Indapur region, where several certified varieties are now being cultivated.
