Kakinada: As the season for custard apples draws to a close and the arrival of local varieties of the fruit dwindles, a new variety of the fruit from Solapur in Maharashtra is creating a buzz.
The Solapur variety is golden in colour and bigger in size than the local variety. However, at a steep Rs 700 to Rs 800 per dozen, it is out of the reach of most people.
The fruit is a special attraction on the National Highway from Rajanagaram to Rajamahendravaram where vendors are selling it at Rs 90 per piece. Local vendors said they are procuring the fruit from Solapur by paying Rs 1,800 for an 18-kg bag. They said they had no choice but to sell each fruit between Rs 70 and Rs 80.
“There are 48 to 52 fruits in 18 kg. While the local fruits are sold within four hours of hitting the market, we need to wait for more hours to sell the Solapur variety,’’ said D.Trimurthulu of Sriramapuram village of Rajanagaram mandal of East Godavari district.
He said the Solapur custard apple was a new arrival in the market this year and hoped that it may capture the market in coming days or years. He added that initially he bought one 18 kg box of the fruit as a trial. If the fruit is sold out, he will buy more.
Sources said, Srirampuram, Thungapadu, Pathatungapadu, Punyakshetram, Diwancheruvu, Kanavaram, Thokada, Mukkinada, Mallampudi, Velugubanda, Kalavacharla, Palacharla and other villages are famous for custard apple gardens. These trees grow in upland areas amidst mango, cashewnut and lemon gardens. Earlier, even the local custard apples used to have a good market and Rajanagaram and Diwanchervu markets are famous for it.
However, due to climatic conditions, the size of the fruit has drastically reduced and the yield has also come down over the past few years. The development of real estate has also led to decline in the fruit production. Many acres of upland area have been levelled for real estate and constructions activities.
Custard apple merchants say the Solapur fruit may get demand if it is imported in larger quantities and the price becomes affordable. Local farmers said they have no problem with the Solapur variety as it enters the market after the local season ends.
