1 week ago
Deficient Rainfall Deepens Andhra Pradesh Custard Apple Shortage
There are fewer custard apples in Andhra Pradesh markets this season.
The main reason is that rainfall was too low and arrived irregularly.
This weather disrupted the two usual flowering periods for the trees.
Maharashtra, an important source of custard apples, also produced less fruit.
Some farmers there are removing NMK Gold trees and planting pomegranates instead.
Shoppers tend to prefer the Balanagar variety and organic custard apples.
Because supplies are lower, a 24-kilogram bag now costs more than ₹1,200.
Late rain could still help some trees flower, but the full-season supply remains uncertain.
Deficient and erratic rainfall linked to El Niño has disrupted custard apple flowering and reduced supply.
Wholesalers say lower output in Maharashtra has contributed significantly to the market shortage.
Custard apple prices have risen above ₹1,200 per 24-kilogram bag, slightly higher than last season.
Consumers increasingly prefer Andhra Pradesh’s Balanagar variety and organic fruit over NMK Gold.
Some Maharashtra farmers are reportedly replacing NMK Gold trees with pomegranates because of persistent cultivation problems.
- Who
- Custard apple farmers, wholesalers, traders and consumers in Andhra Pradesh and other producing regions are affected.
- What
- Custard apple supplies have fallen, pushing prices higher and raising concerns about shortages throughout the season.
- Where
- Local markets in Visakhapatnam and production areas in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- When
- During the current custard apple season; the article says flowering normally begins with April rains and occurs again in June and July.
- Why
- Deficient and erratic rainfall associated with El Niño disrupted flowering, while lower Maharashtra output and farmer concerns about NMK Gold further reduced supply.
Key facts
- Current price
- More than ₹1,200 per 24-kilogram bag of custard apples.
- Main weather factor
- Deficient and erratic rainfall linked to the El Niño factor.
- Normal flowering periods
- The first flowering typically follows April rains, with another in June and July.
- Preferred variety
- Consumers are reported to prefer the Balanagar variety from Andhra Pradesh over NMK Gold.
- Organic demand
- Organic custard apples from agency areas continue to attract buyers.
- Alternative crop
- Some farmers are replacing NMK Gold custard apple trees with pomegranates.
- Possible outlook
- Late rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka may encourage flowering, but the supply outlook remains uncertain.
Quotes
Dr. K. Subramaniam
Retired chief scientist and former head of the Horticultural Research Centre at Mahanandi
“The decline reflects not only immediate impact of climatic disruptions but also signals a long‑term shift in cultivation patterns, apart from traders and consumers adapting to new realities in the fruit market.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Related news
El Niño Leaves Andhra Pradesh With 45 Percent Rainfall Deficit
Weak monsoon hits southern TN palm jaggery production, prices soar
Rayalaseema Farmers Hit as Tomato, Sweet Lime Prices Crash
El Niño threat puts Kurnool Sona rice crop at risk
Lemon Prices Hit Rs 16,000 as Farmers Face Shortages
Dry Spell Threatens Cotton Yields Across Karimnagar District
Stocks to Watch Thursday as Key Corporate Developments Drive Focus
Jarange Accuses Maharashtra Government of Inciting Riots During Fast
Mumbai Trains Election Officials Amid Statewide Electoral Roll Revision
Bombay Gymkhana Squash Finals Set After Junior Semifinals
NMMC Launches Navi Mumbai Drive to Protect Existing Trees
