Telangana’s world-famous Balanagar custard apple inches closer to GI tag

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 fruit is cultivated in three districts. The move aims to protect and promote local horticultural heritage

Hyderabad: In a bid to boost local farming and gain national recognition, farmers and officials from the State have on Monday filed an application seeking Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the world-famous Balanagar custard apple.

This is the 19th GI application filing from Telangana. The application has been filed by GI Practitioner Subhajit Saha of Resolute4IP on behalf of three key farmer-based organizations: Pomal Farmer Producer Company Limited, Balanagar Farmer Producer Company Limited, and The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society, with funding support from NABARD.

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The application was technically facilitated by Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) represented by Dr Saidaiah Pidigam, who played a pivotal role in compiling scientific documentation and validating the fruit’s unique agro-morphological characteristics.

Majorly cultivated in Mahbubnagar, Vikarabad and Rangareddy districts, the Balanagar custard apple is prized for its thick rind, high pulp content, minimal seeds, naturally sweet flavour, and long shelf life. These qualities distinguish it from other varieties and make it highly suitable for both fresh consumption and industrial processing.

Once granted, the GI tag is expected to provide legal protection, strengthen brand identity, and open premium domestic and international market access for the Balanagar custard apples.

Saha said Telangana is also gearing up to file an additional six to eight 8 GI applications from handicrafts and horticulture products in the coming days.

Project principal investigator Dr. Saidaiah worked on grass root level and investigated and gathered the requisite information from the Balanagar custard apple growing areas, interacted with the farmers and cultivators for filing application.

SKLTGHU Vice Chancellor Dr Danda Raji Reddy said the University is working to protect the heritage horticultural crops of Telangana, where six more crops are in row, which will be filed after field investigations and farmer interactions.