The custard apple, botanically known as Annona squamosa L., is native to the West Indies and was introduced to India in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It is a popular tropical and subtropical fruit, extensively cultivated in India due to its resilience to adverse climatic conditions. Thar Amrit Custard Apple, a revolutionary variety developed by the Central Horticultural Experiment Station in Gujarat and released by ICAR-CIAH in 2022, offers superior qualities such as high yields, exceptional taste, and adaptability. This variety presents farmers with a promising opportunity to enhance their incomes sustainably.
Key Features of Thar Amrit Custard Apple
Thar Amrit produces fruits as early as the second year after planting. The huge fruits contain a pulp percentage of 63.58% and a TSS (total soluble solids) of 29.12°Brix, which weigh an average of 320 grams, are perfect for processing as well as fresh consumption. When the fruits reach maturity, they have a golden-yellow hue and a rich, sweet scent that increases their market value. It thrives in rainfed environments and is drought-resistant. Growing in semi-arid conditions yields about 24.8 kg per plant at age 11. This crop provides several health benefits and is rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium, iron, and ascorbic acid.
Advantages of Thar Amrit for Health
The custard apple is a nutrient-dense powerhouse. It is particularly high in antioxidants, vitamin C, iron, and potassium, and Thar Amrit promotes immunity, aids in digestion, and improves general health. The fruit's creamy pulp can be used for a variety of culinary and medical purposes, and its high sugar content naturally boosts energy levels. In Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, custard apples have long been used to treat skin diseases and diarrhoea. Also, the roots and seeds have therapeutic qualities as laxatives and abortifacients.
Regional Adaptation
The arid and semi-arid regions of western India, especially Rajasthan, Gujarat, and portions of Maharashtra, are ideal for Thar Amrit. Because of its resistance to rocky terrain, saline soils, and drought, this cultivar is thought to be more dependable for farmers dealing with difficult agroclimatic conditions. The flowering and fruiting patterns of the variety adapt accordingly to those regions and enable it to avoid common climatic stresses and pests.
Soil and Planting Technique
Deep loamy or sandy loam soils with a pH range of 7 to 7.5 and adequate drainage are ideal for Thar Amrit growth. During the summer, the method of preparing the soil involves excavating 1x1x1meter holes that are filled with loamy soil and organic debris. For adequate moisture to roots, the plant is typically planted during the rainy season. It is advised to space things 5 meters x 5 meters apart for the best growth and output. The young saplings should be irrigated immediately after planting for better establishment.
Irrigation Management
Thar Amrit can grow well under rainfed conditions, irrigation is essential during the first two years of its life cycle for proper growth. Watering is especially important during the summer months. Water harvesting techniques during the rainy season ensure adequate moisture for the plant, promoting steady growth and fruit development in the post-monsoon season. Long periods without irrigation are tolerable by mature trees.
Nutrient Management
For optimum yield and quality of the Thar Amrit fruit, nutrient management plays a very significant role. For mature trees (above 5 years), the annual application of farmyard manure at 50 kg along with 1 kg of nitrogen, 500 g of phosphorus, 500 g of potassium, and 200 g of micronutrient mixture is suggested. These have to be given in part wise: one half in the first fortnight of July and the rest in the last fortnight of August in order to coincide with the monsoon. Adequate nutrition not only improves fruit quality but also strengthens the resilience of the tree to environmental stress.
