Custard Apple from Seoni Gets GI Tag, Opening New Avenues for Farmers

Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni has marked a major milestone as its famous Custard Apple has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its unique size, flavour, and superior quality. The recognition is expected to boost the identity of Seoni’s unique fruit variety while generating new opportunities for farmers. It also strengthens its presence in domestic and international markets. Significantly, the GI tag provides legal protection to the region-specific produce by helping preserve its authenticity and preventing misuse of the product’s name. For local Custard Apple growers, this recognition can enhance market access, increase consumer confidence, and support better returns by underscoring the fruit’s unique characteristics. With growing demand for premium fruits, the GI recognition is expected to influence Custard Apple prices by enhancing branding, quality perception, and market positioning. In addition, the certification can encourage better farming practices, improved post-harvest management, and improved marketing strategies to expand the fruit’s reach. Moreover, Seoni’s horticulture sector is likely to benefit from increased investment and stronger supply chains. Enhanced infrastructure, organized distribution networks, and rising consumer awareness could help in boosting the region’s Custard Apple supply, along with allowing farmers to connect with larger markets. This development emphasises the growing importance of India’s regional agricultural products in global trade. By gaining GI recognition, Seoni’s jumbo custard apple has the potential to become a valuable horticultural export product while supporting rural livelihoods. As demand for unique and high-quality fruits continues to rise, the GI tag marks a remarkable step towards improving Custard Apple production and improving farmer incomes.