The rise of the fruit that tastes like custard

A drought-resistant fruit with a custard-like flavor is gaining popularity among Indian farmers, driven by new hybrid varieties that improve yield, shelf life, and export potential [1]. In the drought-prone district of Kolar, farmer Ashoka Shivareddy produces between 20 to 25 tonnes of custard apple annually from his family farm [1]. He cites the crop's ability to survive with minimal water as a key advantage, noting the region receives only 60 to 70 centimetres of rainfall and that farmers often spend heavily on deep borewells [1]. 'There is huge demand for custard apple in India and abroad,' Shivareddy said [1]. The traditional Balangar variety has a very short shelf life and a high seed count, limiting its market [1]. To address this, scientists at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) developed the Arka Sahan hybrid, which boasts a 70% pulp recovery rate and can survive for a week at room temperature [1]. IIHR is an autonomous organization acting as a nodal agency for horticultural research in India [5]. This scientific approach is a hallmark of modern horticulture, a field distinct from agriculture in its emphasis on plant breeding and controlled cultivation for purposes beyond mere sustenance [7]. In Maharashtra, another leading producer, farmer-breeder Navnath Malhari Kaspate developed the high-yielding NMK-01 variety over 12 to 15 years of experimentation [1]. He cultivates the fruit on nearly 50 acres [1]. The NMK-01's thicker skin and longer shelf life have opened export channels. Exporter Manoj Kumar Barai ships this variety to the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe, though the process requires precise temperature control and specialized packaging [1]. The fruit's creamy pulp, described as having a flavor somewhat similar to banana, is increasingly being processed for use in ice cream and baked goods to overcome perishability [1][4]. This shift to processed forms like frozen pulp represents a significant evolution for the industry, though it requires substantial investment in cold-chain infrastructure [1].