Hybrid Custard Apple Boosts Yields and Opens Export Markets for Indian Farmers

Context Custard apple thrives in dry regions but traditional varieties spoil quickly and contain many seeds, limiting marketability. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research developed Arka Sahan, a hybrid that survives a week at room temperature, has fewer seeds, and raises pulp recovery from 30% to 70%. Farmer‑innovator Ashoka Shivareddy adopted the hybrid on his family farm in Kolar, while Navnath Kaspate in Maharashtra expanded cultivation to about 50 acres using his own high‑yielding NMK‑01 line.

Key Facts Shivareddy reported producing about 20 tonnes of custard apple last year and approximately 25 tonnes this year. Hybrid custard apple varieties increase pulp recovery from 30% to 70%, effectively doubling the usable harvest without requiring additional land. Kaspate farms roughly 50 acres yielding about 10 tonnes per acre and has begun exporting custard apple to Gulf countries and Europe, a first at that scale.

What It Means The higher pulp recovery translates to more sellable fruit per tree, boosting income without expanding farmland. Export success shows that improved shelf life and appearance can meet international quality standards, opening new revenue streams for Indian growers. Continued adoption of hybrids could raise national output and encourage investment in cold‑chain logistics. Watch for policy support on post‑harvest processing and whether other states replicate Maharashtra’s export model.