In Indapur, custard apple cultivation spans approximately 1,700 hectares, with the season drawing to a close. The region, facing challenges such as continuous rainfall, still managed to secure an average market price of $0.79 per kilogram for custard apples. This fruit, thriving in dry, light sandy soils, finds the geographical conditions of Indapur conducive, sparking increased interest among local farmers. Dattatreya Karche, a custard apple producer, highlighted the crop's preference for such soil types, alongside the reduced need for pesticides compared to other fruit crops, enhancing profitability.
Karche, who cultivates the 'Golden' variety over five acres, practices spacing that accommodate around 350 plants per acre, aiming for a production cost of $1,212 per acre. This strategic cultivation method has the potential to yield up to 15 tons in larger orchards, with smaller yields of around 10 tons per acre, translating to potential earnings of up to $4,242 per acre. Despite these numbers, payment delays from processing factories pose a challenge, with Karche reporting expenses of $6,667 on fertilizers, labor, and pruning this year.
The recent harvest saw about 11 tons of custard apples dispatched to major markets, including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Patna, Delhi, and Kerala, with price fluctuations observed. The 'Golden' variety, known for its short tipping period, proves suitable for transportation to distant markets. As the season transitions to winter, organic fertilization becomes crucial to prepare the trees for the next cycle. Dr. Yuvraj Balgude, a plant pathologist, underscores the importance of optimal growing conditions for custard apples in Indapur, where the cultivation of certified varieties is on the rise.
Source: The Bridge Chronicle