GI tag for Mahabubnagar’s Balanagar custard apple sought

Process to seek Geographical Indication (GI) for the world-famous Balanagar custard apples variety in Mahabubnagar district has started

Hyderabad: A process to seek Geographical Indication (GI) for the world-famous Balanagar custard apples variety in Mahabubnagar district is on. Towards this, a team of experts visited the fields in Pomal, Kollur, Kesharavalpalli Kothapalli villages of Nawabpeta mandal in Mahabubnagar district where they examined Balanagar custard apples.

Later, they examined the Balanagar custard apple varieties growing naturally in the forest areas adjacent to Kothapalli and Kalman Kalva villages in Chaudapur mandal of Vikarabad district and learned about their characteristics. The team also studied the custard apple processing plant being run by the farmers producer company in Pomal village.

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Telangana Horticultural University principal investigator Dr Pidigam Saidaiah said that the basic information required for the application has already been collected in the GI registry in Chennai and the application would be submitted soon.

Resolute for IP Head Subhajit Saha said Balanagar custard apple variety could be considered a prime example of giving geographical identity by connecting people, society and region.

NABARD AGM P Manohar Reddy said Balanagar would be the first custard apple variety in south India to receive the GI tag. “This will improve additional income and employment opportunities for farmers in rural areas and villages will grow economically,” Reddy added.