Udaipur, Aug 12 – The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, has launched a project in Rajasthan to empower tribal farmers through custard apple (sitaphal) cultivation, focusing on improving fruit quality and increasing yields. The project has a total financial outlay of ₹225 lakh.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, in response to an unstarred question raised by Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat in the Lok Sabha. The MP had sought details on whether the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) had initiated any research project under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to enhance the quality and productivity of custard apples in the Aravalli range within his constituency.
The Minister confirmed that the government is committed to boosting custard apple yields in the region and improving the economic well-being of tribal communities. The project is being implemented with four core objectives: demonstrating improved custard apple varieties for economic upliftment of tribal beneficiaries in Rajasthan; rejuvenating old orchards of commercial varieties such as Balanagar or Arka Sahan; enhancing capacity building for custard apple processing; and studying the socio-economic impact of IIHR interventions on tribal livelihoods. The proposal has been submitted for financial assistance under RKVY.
Earlier, Dr. Rawat had written to Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the ICAR Director General, urging approval of a project to improve custard apple plant quality. He highlighted that the Aravalli range in his constituency has lakhs of naturally grown custard apple trees, which provide seasonal forest produce sold in open markets. This activity supports over 25,000 Bhil and Garasia tribal families with supplementary income.
However, Dr. Rawat pointed out shortcomings in the current system, calling for scientific interventions such as tissue culture to develop varieties that yield more fruit and produce twice a year. He proposed turning custard apple into a large-scale commercial farming venture, which could significantly boost local income.
He further stressed that small landholdings in the area limit farmers’ earnings, forcing many tribal families to migrate for work. By improving productivity and processing, custard apple farming could become a sustainable livelihood source for thousands, potentially transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region.
Work under the approved project has already commenced.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
