The cascading effects of deficit rainfall during the recent monsoon season have begun taking a severe toll on the agricultural economy across the State. After impacting seasonal vegetable yields and essential food grain production, the dry spell has now delivered a major blow to fruit orchards, with custard apple (Sitaphal) emerging as the latest crop to suffer severe damages. Custard apple holds immense cultural, dietary, and religious significance across central and western India. In addition to wide daily consumption, the fruit is traditionally used in pooja ceremonies and seasonal festive rituals. However, unfavorable climatic conditions and prolonged dry spells throughout critical growth stages have adversely affected both the quality and overall yield of the produce this year. Major custard-apple-growing belts including Amravati, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Jalna, and Nashik have reported sub-optimal orchard productivity. According to local agricultural experts, the crop failed to receive the required moisture levels during the crucial sizing phase.

 

Consequently, the physical size of individual fruits has visibly shrunken, leaving growers with lower-grade yields. In addition, the overall market arrivals indicate that output has dropped significantly. Total yield of the seasonal fruit is estimated to have declined by 25 per cent to 30 per cent compared to standard seasonal averages. Prolonged moisture stress has reduced the average fruit weight and outer pulp thickness, affecting visual appeal and shelf life. Further, driven by constrained supply and sustained seasonal demand, market prices have also spiked dramatically. On Sunday, the wholesallers in key urban centers recorded price increases of Rs 50 to Rs 100 per dozen over last season’s rates. Dealers at the wholesale market said that consumer demand remains strong despite the elevated price tag, though buyers are expressing frustration over fruit quality.

 

Rakesh Jadhav, a leading wholesaler operating at the Mahatma Fule Cotton Market, highlighted the ongoing imbalance between supply and market expectations. “The arrival of this seasonal favorite usually sees strong buyer enthusiasm. However, we are currently witnessing a short supply in daily arrivals. The overall quality of the incoming fruit is simply not up to the usual standards due to the lack of timely rain in the growing belts,” he added.