Archive · 21 Aug 2026
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.
- When
- During the current custard apple season; the article says flowering normally begins with April rains and occurs again in June and July.
- Where
- Local markets in Visakhapatnam and production areas in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Why
- Deficient and erratic rainfall associated with El Niño disrupted flowering, while lower Maharashtra output and farmer concerns about NMK Gold further reduced supply.
- 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.