Custard Apple (Sitaphal) Farming in India: Complete Guide Cost, Profit & Cultivation

Custard apple, known locally as Sitaphal or Sharifa, has emerged as one of India’s most promising fruit crops, particularly for dryland and rain-fed farming systems. With Maharashtra leading production at 7,000 hectares out of India’s total 55,000 hectares, this hardy fruit is transforming the livelihoods of farmers in drought-prone regions . The fruit’s natural sweetness, creamy texture, and exceptional nutritional profile have created strong demand in domestic markets, while its long shelf life and transport tolerance open up export opportunities .

For the Indian farmer, custard apple cultivation represents a strategic shift toward climate-resilient agriculture. Recent innovations by farmer-developers like Navnath Kaspate from Solapur have introduced high-yielding varieties such as NMK-1 (Golden) that yield up to 12 tonnes per acre- more than double traditional varieties . The government’s continued support through MIDH subsidies and the ongoing effort to secure a GI tag for Telangana’s famous Balanagar variety further strengthen the crop’s commercial prospects . This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about starting and managing a profitable custard apple orchard in 2026.

1. Quick Crop Overview

Parameter	Details
Scientific Name	Annona squamosa L.
Family	Annonaceae
Origin	Tropical America, introduced by Portuguese in 16th century
Climate	Tropical and subtropical; thrives in warm, dry conditions
Ideal Temperature	15°C – 38°C (tolerates high heat)
Rainfall	500-800 mm annually; prefers dry weather during fruiting
Soil & pH	Well-drained sandy loam, lateritic, light black soils; pH 6.0 – 7.5
Planting Season	July – August (Monsoon) or February – March (Spring)
Spacing	5 m x 5 m (standard) to 4 m x 4 m (high density)
Plants per Acre	160 – 200 plants
Fruiting Starts	3rd – 4th year
Full Bearing Age	6th – 7th year onwards
Harvesting Season	September – January (main crop)
Average Yield per Plant (Mature)	50 – 100 fruits per tree
Yield Per Acre (Mature Orchard)	5 – 12 tonnes (variety-dependent)
Economic Lifespan	15 – 20 years

2. About Custard Apple Fruit

Custard apple is a heart-shaped or spherical fruit with distinctive quilted skin that turns yellowish-green to brown when ripe. The fruit contains creamy, sweet, granular pulp with numerous black seeds embedded within. It is highly valued for its natural sugar content, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The fruit’s antioxidant properties make it increasingly popular in health-conscious urban markets.

Major Custard Apple Growing States in India (2026):

• Maharashtra: The leading producer, with 7,000 hectares out of India’s total 55,000 hectares. Major districts: Solapur, Pune, Beed, Aurangabad, Parbhani, and Ahmednagar . Progressive farmers in Barshi taluka (Solapur) have brought 140 villages under custard apple cultivation.
• Telangana: Famous for the Balanagar variety, known for its sweet pulp and long shelf life. A GI tag application has been filed to protect this heritage variety, cultivated across Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, and Medak districts .
• Gujarat: Significant production in Saurashtra region, particularly in Amreli and surrounding districts .
• Madhya Pradesh: Rapidly expanding cultivation in Mhow Cantonment and other districts, with farmers adopting NMK-1 Golden variety .
• Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh: Emerging production centers with suitable agro-climatic conditions.

Here are some helpful research on Custard apple – Scientific cultivation of custard apple in Jharkhand

Market Demand (2026): The Ramayampet custard apple market in Medak district, Telangana, exemplifies the fruit’s commercial potential. Nearly 1,000 local harvesters earn up to ₹2,000 daily during the season, with exports to neighboring states touching 20 tonnes per day . Premium varieties like NMK-1 Golden command farm-gate prices of ₹200-300 per kg in metropolitan markets (Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi), with some farmers earning up to ₹12 lakh per hectare .

3. Climate & Soil Requirement

🌤️ Climate for Custard Apple Cultivation

Custard apple is ideally suited to warm, dry tropical and subtropical climates. Its natural hardiness makes it an excellent choice for rain-fed and drought-prone regions .

• Temperature: The ideal temperature range is 15°C to 38°C. The tree tolerates high summer temperatures well, which is why it thrives in Maharashtra’s Solapur and Beed districts. However, extreme cold (below 5°C) can damage young plants and affect fruit ripening.
• Rainfall: Requires moderate annual rainfall of 500-800 mm. The critical requirement is dry weather during flowering and fruit development. Heavy rains during this period can cause flower drop and fruit splitting.
• Humidity: Low to moderate humidity is preferred. High humidity encourages fungal diseases and pest infestations.
• Sunlight: Full sunlight exposure throughout the day is essential for optimal growth, flowering, and fruit quality. The tree’s open canopy allows light penetration.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, custard apple has excellent drought tolerance due to its deep taproot system, making it a climate-smart choice for dryland farming .

🌱 Soil Requirement

• Best Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam, lateritic soils, and light black soils are ideal. The tree can also be successfully grown in rocky and gravelly soils where other fruit crops fail, provided drainage is good .
• Ideal pH: The optimum soil pH range is 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
• Drainage: Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Custard apple is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Avoid heavy clay soils or areas with poor drainage.
• Soil Depth: Minimum 60-90 cm depth is required for proper taproot development.

Practical Tip: For heavy soils, add river sand (2-3 buckets per pit) to improve drainage. For light sandy soils, add tank silt or clay to improve water-holding capacity .

4. Best Custard Apple Varieties for Cultivation

India has numerous custard apple varieties, but recent farmer-led innovations and institutional research have produced superior cultivars with exceptional yield and fruit quality.

High-Yielding Commercial Varieties

Variety	Key Characteristics	Suitability
NMK-1 (Golden) – Farmer Innovator Variety	Developed by Navnath Kaspate from Solapur, Maharashtra. Yield: up to 12 tonnes per acre (compared to 5-6 tonnes for traditional varieties). Large, uniform fruits with attractive golden color, fewer seeds, excellent shelf life (20-25 days on plant without cracking), and high market price (₹200-300/kg). Holds Intellectual Property Rights from PPV&RA .	Highly Recommended for commercial farming across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and other dryland regions. Grown in 16 Indian states and Tanzania.
Arka Sahan (ICAR-IIHR)	Released by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research. Average fruit weight: 410g. Exceptionally high TSS (sugar content): 30.0°Brix. Low seed count (9 seeds per 100g pulp). High pulp recovery (70%). Good shelf life (6 days) .	Suitable for South Indian states and regions where high-quality fresh market fruit is the target.
Arka Neelanchal Vikram	Developed through clonal selection. Yield: 69 fruits per plant. Average fruit weight: 211g. TSS: 23.5°Brix. Excellent sugar/acid ratio (53.8). Long shelf life (5.5 days) .	Recommended for Eastern and Central India.
Balanagar	Traditional variety from Telangana. Famous for its sweet pulp and long shelf life. GI tag application has been filed to protect this heritage variety .	Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Premium local market.
NMK Arvi & NMK Samruddhi (New Releases 2026)	New varieties developed by Navnath Kaspate. NMK Arvi: cross between NMK-1 Golden and Lal Sitaphal. NMK Samruddhi: red-colored hybrid of Sitaphal and Ramphal (Annona reticulata). Average fruit weight: 350g. Pulp recovery: 55-60%. TSS: 25°Brix. Harvested in February, extending the marketing season. IPR documentation submitted in November 2023; expected commercial release soon .	Expected to be suitable for all custard apple growing regions, offering a February harvest window.

Other Notable Varieties

• Phule Purandhar: Popular in Maharashtra, known for good fruit quality.
• Lal Sitaphal (Red Custard Apple): Distinctive red-skinned variety with unique flavor.
• Washington, British Guinea, Mammoth, Atemoya hybrids: Available in germplasm collections and used for breeding .

Practical Tip: For commercial farming in 2026, NMK-1 Golden offers the highest yield and market price. For farmers seeking institutional varieties, Arka Sahan provides exceptional fruit quality. The new February-harvesting varieties (NMK Arvi/Samruddhi) will soon be available for farmers wanting to extend their marketing window.

5. Propagation Methods

Custard apple can be propagated through seeds, but vegetative propagation is recommended for commercial farming to maintain true-to-type characteristics and ensure early bearing.

Common Propagation Methods

• Seed Propagation: Used for raising rootstock. Seeds should be collected from healthy, high-yielding mother plants. They have a hard seed coat and benefit from soaking in water for 24-48 hours before sowing to improve germination.
• Grafting: The recommended method for commercial plantations. Softwood grafting and wedge grafting onto seedling rootstock produce uniform, high-quality plants that start bearing in 3-4 years. Success rates are high when done during the active growing season (June-July).
• Budding: Shield budding can be done, though grafting is generally more successful in custard apple.
• Air Layering (Gootee): Possible but less common for commercial-scale propagation.

Plants Required Per Acre:

• Standard spacing (5m x 5m): Approximately 160 plants
• High density (4m x 4m): Approximately 250 plants
• Wider spacing (6m x 6m): Approximately 110 plants

Practical Tip: For NMK-1 Golden, source certified plants directly from Madhuban Farm and Nursery or authorized distributors to ensure authenticity and avoid counterfeit plants . For institutional varieties, contact ICAR-IIHR or State Agricultural Universities.

6. Land Preparation & Planting

Land Preparation

1. Clearing & Ploughing: Clear the land of weeds and previous crop residues. After the monsoon ends, conduct 2-3 deep ploughings (30-40 cm depth) to bring the soil to a fine tilth and improve aeration .
2. Layout & Pit Digging: Mark the spots for pits based on chosen spacing. Dig pits of size 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm in summer (April-May), exposing them to sunlight for sterilization .
3. Pit Filling Mixture (per pit): Refill the pits with a mixture of:
   • Topsoil
   • 1 kg well-decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or compost
   • 100 g Single Super Phosphate (SSP) (optional, for phosphorus)
   • For light soils: Add 2-3 buckets of river sand to improve water holding capacity
   • For heavy soils: Add sand to improve drainage

   Water the pits to allow the mixture to settle before planting.

Planting Method

• Best Planting Season: The monsoon season (July – August) is ideal as it ensures good establishment with natural rainfall. Spring planting (February – March) is also possible with regular irrigation.
• Planting Technique:
  • Make a small hole in the center of the prepared pit.
  • Place the grafted plant carefully, ensuring the graft union remains above soil level.
  • Fill the hole with soil, press gently to remove air pockets, and water immediately.
  • Create a small basin around the plant for efficient watering.
• Aftercare: Provide staking if the area is windy. Mulch around the base with organic material (straw, dry leaves) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. During the rainy season, keep the pits clean and ensure no waterlogging occurs .

7. Irrigation Management

Custard apple is a drought-tolerant crop, but regular irrigation during the establishment phase and critical growth stages significantly improves yield and fruit quality. Drip irrigation is highly recommended for water efficiency and optimal growth .

Irrigation Schedule & Water Requirement

• Young Plants (First 2 Years): Custard apple requires minimal irrigation during this phase. Water at 7-10 day intervals during dry periods to ensure proper establishment .
• Growing Trees (3-5 years): Irrigate at 12-15 day intervals during dry spells. The deep taproot system allows the tree to access moisture from deeper soil layers.
• Mature Trees (6+ years): Supplementary irrigation during prolonged dry spells, especially at flowering and fruit development stages, improves fruit size and yield.
• Critical Stages for Irrigation:
  • Before flowering (January-February)
  • During fruit development (July-October)
• Drip Irrigation: A micro-irrigation system is ideal for custard apple. The Government of India’s Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme under PMKSY provides significant subsidies for its installation . Drip irrigation also results in fewer pest attacks compared to other irrigation methods .
• Avoid: Over-irrigation and waterlogging, especially during monsoon, as they can lead to root rot and collar rot.

Government Link: For details on subsidies for micro-irrigation, visit the official PMKSY website. The scheme provides financial assistance @ 55% of unit cost for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers .

8. Month-wise Crop Calendar

(Based on conditions in Maharashtra and Central India, for the main cropping season)

Month	Growth Stage / Operation
April – May	Pruning: Remove dead, diseased, and weak branches. Prune after fruit harvest. Apply Bordeaux mixture or fungicide spray after pruning. Apply organic manure (3-4 kg FYM per tree) .
June	Pre-monsoon: First irrigation if needed. New flush and flower bud initiation. Monitor for pests.
July – August	Monsoon Planting: Ideal time for new orchard establishment. Flowering and fruit set occur. Apply fungicide sprays to protect flowers and young fruits .
September – November	Fruit Development & Harvesting: Fruits mature and are harvested. Peak harvest season. Regular picking of ripe fruits based on maturity indices .
December – January	Late Harvest & Post-Harvest: Harvest continues for late-maturing varieties. Orchard sanitation. Planning for next year’s pruning.
February – March	Spring Growth & Flowering (for some varieties): New varieties like NMK Arvi and NMK Samruddhi are harvested in February . New flush for the next season begins.

Practical Tip: Farmer Sujit Zende from Pune district recommends systematic pruning in April-May, followed by organic manure application and one fungicide spray. He then provides irrigation in early June, leading to healthy flowering and fruit set .

9. Manure & Fertilizer Schedule

While custard apple is not a heavy feeder, proper nutrition ensures consistent yields and good fruit quality. Organic farming practices are widely followed and improve fruit taste and market price.

Organic Manure Schedule (Recommended by Successful Farmers)

Time of Application	Manure Type	Quantity per Tree	Method
April – May (After pruning)	Well-decomposed FYM or cow dung manure	3-4 kg	Apply in a circular trench around the tree, away from the trunk, and mix with soil.
Same time (Optional)	Neem cake	0.5-1 kg	Mix with FYM for added pest/disease protection.

Note: If organic manure like cow dung is not available, the quantity of FYM can be increased . Research from TNAU shows that integrating custard apple with pulse intercrops (blackgram, greengram, clusterbean) significantly improves soil nitrogen availability and organic carbon content over time .

Fertilizer Schedule (For Conventional Farming)

For farmers using chemical fertilizers, the following doses (per tree per year) are recommended for mature trees:

• Nitrogen (N): 500-600 g
• Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 250-300 g
• Potassium (K₂O): 300-400 g

Apply in two splits: half after pruning (April-May) and half after fruit set (August-September). Adjust based on soil test reports and tree vigor.

10. Intercropping & Weed Management

🌾 Intercropping – A Climate-Smart Approach

Recent research from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (2022-25) confirms that custard apple-based agri-horticulture systems are highly productive and profitable under rainfed conditions .

• Suitable Intercrops (First 3-4 years):
  • Pulses: Blackgram, greengram, clusterbean – these fix nitrogen, improve soil fertility, and produce intercrop yields of 1337-1653 kg/ha blackgram equivalent .
  • Millets: Foxtail millet – recorded highest intercrop yields and contributed to system profitability (₹352.4 ha⁻¹ day⁻¹) .
  • Vegetables: Tomato, chilli, brinjal, cucurbits.
• Benefits:
  • Custard apple-based systems (with 2674-3306 kg/ha fruit yield) significantly outperformed aonla-based systems .
  • Pulse intercrops improved soil organic carbon (1.05-1.76 g kg⁻¹), available nitrogen (9-11 kg/ha), and potassium (8-14 kg/ha) .
  • Maximum rainwater use efficiency and land equivalent ratio achieved in custard apple + clusterbean combinations .
• Caution: Avoid tall crops like maize, sorghum, or sugarcane that can shade the young custard apple plants. Stop intercropping once the canopy closes (around year 4-5).

🌿 Weed Management

• Mulching: Organic mulch (paddy straw, sugarcane trash, dry leaves) applied around the plant basin is highly effective for moisture conservation and weed suppression.
• Manual Weeding: Regular weeding (3-4 times a year) in the tree basins and inter-row spaces. Tractor-drawn cultivators can be used between rows.
• Cover Cropping: Intercrops themselves serve as living mulch, suppressing weed growth while providing income .

11. Training & Pruning

Proper training and annual pruning are essential for maintaining tree health, managing canopy architecture, and ensuring consistent high yields .

• Training (First 2-3 Years): Develop a strong tree framework with 3-4 well-spaced main branches arising from the trunk at a height of 60-75 cm. Remove all other competing branches and rootstock suckers. Custard apple’s natural open canopy is well-suited for light interception .
• Annual Pruning (Mature Trees – April/May):
  • Remove all dead, diseased, damaged, and crossing branches .
  • Remove old, weak, and unproductive wood.
  • Remove any dried fruits remaining on the tree .
  • Maintain an open center for light penetration and air circulation, which improves fruit quality and reduces disease incidence.
• Benefits of Pruning: Stimulates new growth (fruiting occurs on new wood), improves fruit size and quality, and facilitates pest and disease management.

12. Pests and Diseases

Custard apple is relatively hardy, with fewer pest and disease issues compared to many other fruit crops. However, certain problems require attention .

Major Pests

• Mealybugs: Appear as white cottony masses on stems, leaves, and fruits. They secrete honeydew, leading to sooty mold. Control: Prune infested parts, spray fish oil rosin soap (25 g/L) or profenophos. Encourage natural predators like ladybird beetles.
• Fruit Borers: Larvae bore into ripening fruits, causing rotting and fruit drop. Control: Remove and destroy affected fruits. Maintain clean orchard floor. Spray cypermethrin or quinalphos if infestation is severe.
• Aphids: Suck sap from tender shoots, causing leaf curling. Control: Spray dimethoate or imidacloprid. Use neem-based insecticides for organic management.
• Scale Insects: Small, hard scales on bark and leaves. Control: Spray horticultural oil or fish oil rosin soap.

Major Diseases

• Anthracnose: Causes dark, sunken lesions on fruits and leaves, especially during humid conditions. Control: Prune for better air circulation. Spray Carbendazim (1 g/L) or Mancozeb (2 g/L).
• Fruit Rot: Fruits develop water-soaked lesions and rot, often starting from the blossom end. Control: Avoid overhead irrigation during fruiting. Harvest fruits promptly. Remove and destroy affected fruits.
• Leaf Spot: Brown to gray spots on leaves, causing defoliation. Control: Remove affected leaves, spray Carbendazim or Mancozeb.
• Root Rot / Collar Rot: Caused by waterlogging or soil-borne fungi (Phytophthora). Leaves yellow, wilt, and plant may die. Control: Ensure excellent drainage. Drench soil with Metalaxyl + Mancozeb if detected early.

Integrated Pest Management Strategy:

• Maintain tree health through proper nutrition and irrigation
• Prune annually to improve air circulation
• Practice clean cultivation – remove and destroy fallen fruits and diseased plant parts
• Use biological controls (Trichoderma for soil-borne diseases, neem-based insecticides)
• Monitor regularly and intervene early

13. Harvesting of Custard Apple

• When to Harvest: Custard apples are harvested when they reach full maturity but are still firm. They ripen off the tree. Maturity indicators include:
  • Color change: The skin color changes from light green to yellowish-green or bronze (depending on variety). The quilted segments (carpels) become more prominent and may lighten in color.
  • Spacing between segments: The spaces between segments become cream-colored, and the segments themselves may separate slightly.
  • Fruit size: Fruits reach full varietal size.
  • Days from flowering: Approximately 4-5 months after fruit set .
• Harvesting Season: The main harvest season is from September to January . New February-harvesting varieties (NMK Arvi and NMK Samruddhi) are now available, extending the marketing window .
• Harvesting Method:
  • Harvest in the cool part of the day (morning or evening).
  • Fruits are hand-picked with the stalk attached. Use sharp secateurs or clippers to cut the stalk, leaving about 1 cm attached to the fruit.
  • Handle carefully – custard apples bruise easily and are sensitive to impact. Place fruits gently in padded baskets or crates.
  • Harvest only mature fruits; immature fruits do not ripen properly and have poor quality.
• Post-Harvest Ripening: After harvest, fruits are kept at room temperature for 3-5 days to soften and develop full flavor. NMK-1 Golden has the unique property of staying unripe on the plant for 20-25 days without cracking, offering flexibility in harvest timing .
• Grading: After harvesting, sort fruits by size, weight, and freedom from defects. Proper grading helps fetch better market prices .

14. Yield of Custard Apple

Custard Apple’s yield depends on variety, tree age, management practices, and growing conditions.

• Year 1-2: No commercial yield. Trees focus on vegetative growth and establishment.
• Year 3-4: Trees start bearing, yielding 20-30 fruits per tree.
• Year 5-6: Yields increase significantly, reaching 50-80 fruits per tree.
• Year 7 onwards (Full Bearing):
  • Traditional varieties: 50-100 fruits per tree, 5-6 tonnes per acre .
  • NMK-1 Golden (improved variety): Up to 12 tonnes per acre .
  • Arka varieties: 69 fruits per plant (Arka Neelanchal Vikram) to high yields (Arka Sahan) .

Yield Per Hectare: Research studies report custard apple fruit yields of 2674-3306 kg per hectare (approx. 1.1-1.3 tonnes per acre) in rain-fed agri-horti systems, which is lower than commercial orchard yields but reflects the potential in integrated systems .

15. Post-Harvest Storage & Marketing

Storage Methods

Custard apple is a climacteric fruit and softens rapidly after harvest. Proper post-harvest management is essential .

• Short-term (Room Temperature): Firm, mature fruits can be stored for 3-5 days at ambient temperature (25-30°C) while they ripen. Once fully ripe, they should be consumed or marketed within 1-2 days.
• Extended Shelf Life (Cold Storage): Fruits can be stored at 10-15°C with 85-90% relative humidity for up to 3 weeks, depending on variety. NMK-1 Golden has particularly good shelf life and transport tolerance . Arka varieties have shelf lives of 5.5-6 days .
• Pre-cooling: For long-distance transport, pre-cooling fruits soon after harvest helps maintain quality.
• Packaging: Use CFB boxes or wooden crates with cushioning material (paper shavings, dried grass). Single-layer packing prevents bruising. Farmer Sujit Zende packs 18-20 kg per crate for market .

Marketing Channels & Price (2026)

The custard apple market has strengthened considerably, with organized marketing channels emerging.

• Local APMC Mandis: Traditional marketing channel. In Pune and Saswad markets, farmers like Sujit Zende sell directly to wholesalers or regular traders, dispatching 15-25 crates (270-500 kg) daily during peak season .
• Specialized Regional Markets: The Ramayampet custard apple market in Telangana has become a model, with nearly 1,000 local harvesters supplying the market daily and exports touching 20 tonnes per day to neighboring states .
• Metropolitan Markets (Premium Segment): High demand in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Delhi. Premium varieties like NMK-1 Golden fetch ₹200-300 per kg in these markets .
• Export Potential: While India imports some custard apple, there is growing export potential, particularly for value-added products. APEDA monitors export data for custard apple under HSCode 08109005 .
• Market Price Trends: Prices vary significantly by variety, quality, and season:
  • Traditional varieties: ₹40-80 per kg (average)
  • Balanagar variety: Premium over local varieties
  • NMK-1 Golden: ₹200-300 per kg
  • Seasonal average for quality produce: Around ₹70 per kg according to farmer Sujit Zende from Pune

16. Cost of Custard Apple Farming & Profit Margin

Disclaimer: These are estimates for 1 acre based on 2025-26 data. Actual figures vary by region, variety, input costs, management, and market prices .

Assumptions: 5m x 5m spacing (160 plants), NMK-1 Golden variety, drip irrigation, yields from 7th year onwards.

A. Initial Investment (Years 1-6 – Orchard Establishment)

Component	Cost (₹)
Land preparation, pit digging, & filling	15,000
Cost of plants (160 plants @ ₹100-150)	20,000
FYM and fertilizers (first 6 years)	30,000
Drip irrigation system (after subsidy)	25,000
Labour, weeding, intercropping expenses	40,000
Total Investment (Years 1-6)	₹ 1,30,000

B. Annual Maintenance Cost (From Year 7 onwards)

Component	Cost (₹/year)
Fertilizers & Manure (organic)	8,000
Plant protection chemicals	5,000
Labour (pruning, spraying, weeding, irrigation)	15,000
Irrigation (electricity/diesel for drip)	5,000
Harvesting, grading, & packing	15,000
Total Annual Cost	₹ 48,000 – 60,000

C. Income from Mature Orchard (Year 7 onwards)

Based on NMK-1 Golden yields and average market prices.

Parameter	Estimate
Yield per acre	8-12 tonnes
Average selling price (blended across grades)	₹ 30-40 per kg
Gross Income (at 8 tonnes, ₹35/kg)	₹ 2,80,000

D. Profit Calculation (Mature Orchard)

Parameter	Amount (₹)
Gross Income	2,80,000
Annual Maintenance Cost	55,000
Net Profit Per Year	₹ 2,25,000

Important Notes:

• Farmer Ravi Dabhade from Beed district reports yields of 7 tonnes per acre with disciplined management and 8 annual foliar sprays .
• Farmer Dinesh Patidar from Madhya Pradesh earns a net profit of ₹1.5 lakh per acre with 4-5 tonnes per acre yields .
• Farmer Sujit Zende from Pune reports net income of ₹1.5-1.75 lakh per acre with traditional varieties .
• With premium varieties and strong market prices, some farmers earn up to ₹12 lakh per hectare (approx. ₹4.85 lakh per acre) .
• Break-even: Initial investment is typically recovered by the 6th or 7th year, after which the orchard generates profit for 15+ years .

17. Advantages of Custard Apple Cultivation

• Climate Resilience: Excellent drought tolerance and suitability for rain-fed, dryland areas. Custard apple-based systems show high rainwater use efficiency .
• High Profitability: Premium varieties like NMK-1 Golden yield up to 12 tonnes per acre with market prices reaching ₹200-300 per kg, generating net profits of ₹2-2.5 lakhs per acre .
• Long Economic Life: Productive for 15-20 years, providing long-term income security .
• Low Input Requirements: Minimal irrigation needs after establishment, low fertilizer requirements, and suitability for organic farming keep production costs low (₹50,000-60,000 per acre) .
• Strong Market Demand: Growing health consciousness and urban demand create a robust market. Premium varieties consistently fetch high prices .
• Intercropping Benefits: Compatible with pulses and millets, providing additional income during early years and improving soil health through biological nitrogen fixation .
• GI Recognition: Ongoing GI tag process for Balanagar variety promises to protect and promote regional heritage and farmer interests .
• Processing Potential: Suitable for value-added products like pulp, dried powder, and confectionery.

18. Government Schemes & Support (2025-26)

Several government initiatives support custard apple farmers. Key schemes for 2025-26 include:

• MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture): The flagship central scheme for horticulture development. It provides financial assistance for area expansion (new orchards), planting material, and creation of water resources. Under the Integrated Post-Harvest Management component, MIDH 2025-26 guidelines include subsidies for refrigerated transport and cold chain infrastructure, as recently demonstrated in Ladakh for apricot transport . Assistance for orchard establishment can be up to 40-50% of the cost. For more details, visit the official MIDH website.
• PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop): Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, farmers can avail subsidies for installing micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) systems. The scheme provides financial assistance @ 55% of unit cost for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers. From 2015-16 till date, 96.97 lakh hectares have been covered under micro irrigation through PDMC .
• State-Specific Schemes:
  • Maharashtra: Additional subsidies and technical support through state horticulture missions, particularly in Solapur and Beed districts where custard apple is promoted as a dryland crop .
  • Telangana: Support for GI tag documentation and promotion of Balanagar variety .
  • Gujarat: KVK Amreli provides cultivation guidelines and subsidy information for farmers in Saurashtra region .
• PPV&RA (Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority): Farmer innovators like Navnath Kaspate have secured Intellectual Property Rights for their varieties under this authority, protecting their rights and encouraging innovation .
• National Pest Surveillance System: The government has launched a digital pest surveillance system using AI and Machine Learning. Extension workers and farmers can upload images of pests for timely identification and intervention advice.

How to Apply: Farmers can apply through the State Horticulture Mission or their local District Horticulture Officer. Information is available on state agriculture department websites.

19. Value-Added Products & Processing

Custard apple’s creamy pulp and unique flavor make it suitable for various value-added products. Processing helps utilize off-grade fruits and increases income potential.

• Fresh Pulp: The pulp can be extracted, pasteurized, and frozen or canned for use in ice cream, yogurt, and dessert industries. Pulp recovery in improved varieties like Arka Sahan is up to 70% .
• Beverages: Custard apple milkshakes, smoothies, and juices are popular in urban markets and food service outlets.
• Dehydrated Products: Sun-dried or mechanically dried pulp can be made into powder for use in health foods and confectionery.
• Confectionery: Pulp is used in ice creams, mousses, custards, and as a filling for sweets and baked goods.
• Seed Oil: Custard apple seeds contain oil with potential industrial applications (though non-edible).
• Nutraceuticals: The fruit is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, making it suitable for the growing health food market.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can explore setting up small-scale pulp extraction units to capture more value from their produce, especially during peak harvest when fresh prices may be lower.

20. Common Mistakes & Challenges

1. Poor Variety Selection: Planting unimproved local varieties with low yields (5-6 tonnes/acre) instead of high-yielding varieties like NMK-1 Golden (12 tonnes/acre) .
2. Inadequate Drainage: Planting in heavy soils or areas with poor drainage leads to root rot and tree mortality .
3. Improper Spacing: Planting too densely leads to overcrowding, poor light penetration, and reduced yields. The recommended spacing is 5m x 5m .
4. Neglecting Pruning: Failure to prune annually leads to tangled canopies, reduced yields, and increased disease incidence .
5. Over-Irrigation: Excess water, especially during winter or fruiting, can reduce fruit quality and promote diseases. Custard apple needs minimal irrigation after establishment .
6. Under-Fertilization (Organic): Not applying adequate organic manure (at least 3-4 kg FYM per tree annually) affects fruit size and quality .
7. Ignoring Pest and Disease Monitoring: Late detection of mealybugs or fruit borers can lead to significant yield losses.
8. Harvesting at the Wrong Stage: Picking fruits too early (immature) results in poor ripening and quality. Picking too late leads to bruising and spoilage.
9. Rough Post-Harvest Handling: Custard apples bruise easily. Rough handling, overstacking, or poor packaging leads to rapid spoilage and loss of market value .
10. No Grading: Selling mixed-quality fruits at average prices reduces potential income. Grading by size and quality can significantly improve returns .
11. Lack of Market Intelligence: Not understanding the price difference between local mandis and metropolitan markets, or not timing harvest to coincide with peak prices.
12. Falling Prey to Counterfeits: Purchasing unauthorized saplings sold under different names instead of certified NMK-1 Golden plants from authorized sources. Navnath Kaspate has filed cases against 220 nurseries for selling counterfeits .
13. Not Leveraging Government Schemes: Missing out on available subsidies for planting, drip irrigation, and post-harvest infrastructure.

21. FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is custard apple (Sitaphal) farming profitable in India?
A: Yes, custard apple farming is highly profitable, especially with improved varieties. NMK-1 Golden yields up to 12 tonnes per acre and can fetch ₹200-300 per kg in metropolitan markets, generating net profits of ₹2-2.5 lakhs per acre. Traditional varieties yield 5-6 tonnes per acre with net profits of ₹1.5-1.75 lakhs per acre .

Q2. How many years does a custard apple tree take to bear fruit?
A: Grafted custard apple plants start bearing from the 3rd or 4th year after planting. Commercial yields begin from the 5th-6th year, and full production is achieved by the 7th year onward .

Q3. What is the yield of a custard apple tree?
A: A mature, well-managed tree can yield 50-100 fruits per year. For improved varieties like NMK-1 Golden, yields can reach up to 12 tonnes per acre .

Q4. What is the best variety of custard apple for commercial farming?
A: NMK-1 (Golden), developed by farmer innovator Navnath Kaspate, is currently the highest-yielding and most profitable variety, with yields up to 12 tonnes per acre and strong market demand. Arka Sahan (ICAR-IIHR) offers exceptional fruit quality with 30°Brix TSS and high pulp recovery .

Q5. What is the status of the GI tag for Balanagar custard apple?
A: Telangana has filed its 19th GI application seeking a tag for the Balanagar custard apple, known for its sweet pulp and long shelf life. The process is ongoing, with cultivation in Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, and Medak districts .

Q6. What soil is best for custard apple cultivation?
A: Well-drained sandy loam, lateritic soils, and light black soils with pH 6.0-7.5 are ideal. The crop can also grow in rocky and gravelly soils provided drainage is good .

Q7. How much irrigation does custard apple need?
A: Custard apple requires minimal irrigation after establishment. Drip irrigation is recommended, with water applied at critical stages like flowering and fruit development. The crop is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in rain-fed conditions .

Q8. What is the lifespan of a custard apple tree?
A: With proper care and management, a custard apple tree has a productive lifespan of 15-20 years .

Q9. What are the common pests in custard apple?
A: Common pests include mealybugs, fruit borers, aphids, and scale insects. Regular monitoring and timely intervention with integrated pest management practices keep them under control.

Q10. What government schemes are available for custard apple farming in 2026?
A: Farmers can benefit from central schemes like MIDH (for orchard establishment and post-harvest infrastructure) and PMKSY (for drip irrigation subsidies). State-specific support is available in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat .

Q11. Can custard apple be intercropped?
A: Yes, custard apple is highly suitable for intercropping with pulses (blackgram, greengram, clusterbean) and millets (foxtail millet) during the first 3-4 years. Research shows this improves soil health and system profitability .

Q12. What is the market price for custard apple?
A: Prices vary by variety and market. Traditional varieties average ₹40-80 per kg. Premium varieties like NMK-1 Golden fetch ₹200-300 per kg in metropolitan markets. The seasonal average for quality produce is around ₹70 per kg .

22. Conclusion

Custard apple farming has transformed from a subsistence crop to a high-value commercial enterprise, particularly in the dryland regions of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat. With India’s total area under cultivation at 55,000 hectares and Maharashtra alone contributing 7,000 hectares, the crop’s potential is increasingly recognized by progressive farmers . The development of high-yielding varieties like NMK-1 Golden, with yields up to 12 tonnes per acre and market prices reaching ₹200-300 per kg, has revolutionized the economics of custard apple cultivation .

What makes custard apple particularly attractive for Indian farmers is its alignment with climate-smart agriculture. Its natural drought tolerance, suitability for rain-fed conditions, and compatibility with pulse intercropping systems make it an ideal crop for sustainable intensification . The ongoing GI tag process for the famous Balanagar variety promises to protect regional heritage and enhance market recognition .

Success in custard apple farming hinges on several key factors: selecting improved, high-yielding varieties from certified sources; proper land preparation with attention to drainage and spacing; annual pruning and organic manure application; and strategic marketing that targets premium urban markets . The emergence of specialized markets like Ramayampet in Telangana, which handles 20 tonnes of daily exports to neighboring states, demonstrates the crop’s growing commercial infrastructure .

For farmers in drought-prone and rain-fed areas, custard apple offers a path to reliable income with relatively low input costs. The availability of government subsidies under MIDH and PMKSY further enhances the economic viability of orchard establishment. With new February-harvesting varieties (NMK Arvi and NMK Samruddhi) set for commercial release, the marketing window will soon extend even further, promising year-round income opportunities .

Ready to start your custard apple orchard?

Begin by getting your soil tested and visiting successful farms in your region. For the highest-yielding NMK-1 Golden variety, contact Madhuban Farm and Nursery (Navnath Kaspate’s nursery) in Solapur, Maharashtra, to ensure authentic planting material and avoid counterfeits . Consult with your local District Horticulture Officer to learn about available subsidies under MIDH and PMKSY. Consider forming or joining an FPO to access better markets and potential processing opportunities. With careful planning and diligent management, your custard apple orchard can become a source of prosperity for 15-20 years to come.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only. The costs, yields, profits, and cultivation practices mentioned are estimates and may vary significantly based on location, soil conditions, climate, management practices, and dynamic market factors. It is strongly recommended that farmers consult with local agricultural experts, KVKs, and state horticulture departments before making any investment decisions. This website and its authors disclaim any liability for financial losses or crop failures resulting from the use of this information.