Clash between China and Taiwan over Custard apple, maximum cultivation is done here in India

The causes of tension between countries in the world are usually border disputes, military activities or business decisions. But a few years ago, a case came to light in which a fruit soured the relations between China and Taiwan. This fruit was Sugar Apple, which is known as Sitaphal, Custard Apple or Custard Apple in India. In the year 2021, China had banned the import of custard apple and pineapple coming from Taiwan. China cited the presence of insects as the reason behind this, but Taiwan considered it a part of political pressure. Now once again this matter has come between China and Taiwan.

Interestingly, the fruit over which there was dispute between China and Taiwan is cultivated on a large scale in India. Lakhs of farmers grow custard apple in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat. Its demand is continuously increasing in India and now the market of processed products related to it is also expanding rapidly. Beed, located in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, is known as the ‘Custard Apple City of India’. In such a situation, it is interesting to know how much of this fruit, which is of strategic importance for Taiwan, is a part of the huge agricultural economy in India and where is it cultivated the most.

• There was a trade dispute between China and Taiwan regarding custard apple.
• India is among the major custard apple producing countries of the world.
• Beed of Maharashtra is considered to be the most popular cucurbit production center of the country.

‘Custard Apple City of India’

Beed district of Maharashtra is counted among the most special places for Sitaphal (custard apple) production in India. The climate and soil of Beed situated in the Marathwada region is considered very favorable for the cultivation of Custard Apple. There is less rainfall here and the shallow and well-drained soil of the Balaghat ranges helps in better production of fruits. Custard apple growing in Beed is known for its extremely sweet taste, creamy pulp and strong aroma. It is believed that Custard Apple cultivation is several hundred years old in this area. According to historians, this fruit spread rapidly in the Deccan region after it was brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Beet Sitaphal has got GI

Today, Kaij, Dharur, Ambajogai, Manjarsumba and Balaghat areas of Beed are the major centers of custard apple production. The demand for custard apple grown in Beed is not limited to Maharashtra only. The produce here is sent to big cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi. Considering the special identity of this fruit, Beed Sitaphal has also got the GI (Geographical Indication) tag. It was given GI status on 31 May 2016. The most popular variety in Beed is ‘Beed Sitaphal’, but apart from this some other varieties are also discussed. These include Balanagar, Mammoth, Washington and British Guiana.

Tension between China and Taiwan?

These days, Taiwan is worried about a new plan of China, which is related to the fruit named Atemoya i.e. Custard Apple. Custard apple is considered to be the identity of Taitung, the eastern region of Taiwan. China had banned the import of Atemoya from Taiwan in 2021. Later, imports were resumed with some conditions, but now China’s offer to increase purchases has sparked a new debate in Taiwan. The Taiwan government says that China first makes farmers dependent on its market and later puts pressure on them by imposing sudden restrictions or fees.

Farmers fear huge losses

Taiwan’s Agriculture Ministry has warned that excessive dependence on China could be risky for farmers, because China has banned the import of Taiwanese agricultural products several times in the last few years. Another reason for concern for Taiwan is that a large part of its custard apple exports goes to China. Some local leaders claim that about 95% of exports are dependent on China. In such a situation, if China stops imports again or imposes new duties, farmers may suffer huge losses. This is why Taiwan is now trying to explore new international markets and reduce dependence on China.

Where else is farming done other than Maharashtra?

Custard apple is cultivated mainly in arid and semi-arid areas in India. Maharashtra has been considered its biggest center for a long time. Apart from this, it is also cultivated on a large scale in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Custard apple is also known as sugar apple or custard apple. Its scientific name is Annona squamosa. It is a sweet tasting fruit, which contains Vitamin C, fiber and many essential nutrients. Its improved form Atemoya is also grown in Taiwan, which is quite popular in the international market.