Ever heard of gaining high yields of a fruit variety in dry regions?
A major portion of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh is drought-prone, and to everyone’s surprise, there is one fruit variety that flourishes in these conditions. It is called NMK-01 (Golden), popularly known as Golden Sitaphal (Custard Apple).

NMK-01 (Golden) is cultivated in 16 Indian states and even in Tanzania, especially in dryland zones. Maharashtra, particularly drought-prone districts like Solapur, Beed, Aurangabad, and Parbhani, has seen widespread adoption of this variety—followed by Madhya Pradesh.

Farmers also praise its high yields, which can go up to 10 tonnes per acre.

But who developed the Golden Sitaphal?

The Better India sat down with 67-year-old farmer innovator Navnath Kaspate, the mind behind this unique variety. In 2019, his innovation earned him Intellectual Property Rights from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&RA). Today, he owns a 70-acre farm—Madhuban Farm and Nursery—which is home to 42 different varieties of custard apples.

Tracing the history of Golden Sitaphal

Belonging to the Annonaceae family, custard apple—heart-shaped, spherical, or irregular—features quilted skin that turns brown as it ripens. Originally from South America and the West Indies, Sitaphal was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Remarkably, depictions of custard apples appear in ancient Indian sculptures, such as those at Bharhut, Sanchi, Ajanta, and Mathura, dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

While varieties like Balanagar, Phule Purandhar, and Lal Sitaphal exist, NMK-01 (Golden) is expanding rapidly due to its strong market acceptance and profitability for farmers.

© The Better India