Hyderabad: A group of experts visited the unique geographical features of Balanagar Custard Apple in Mahbubnagar, seeking Geographic Instructions (GI) registration for this. Experts studied the Bus apple trees of the Tanoda in Pomal, Kollur, Kesharavalpalli and Nawabpet Mandal.
The team then studied Custard Apple varieties grown in forest areas near the Chaudapalli and Kalman Kalva in Chaudapur Mandal in Vikalabad to understand their characteristics. The last stop of this visit involves a study of a cream cake apple processing plant run by farmers in Pomal Village.
Principal Investigator Dr Pidigam Saidaiah said the basic information required for the application has been collected and will be submitted to the Geographical Instructions Registration Centre in Chennai.
GI host Subhajit Saha further said that Balanagar Custard Apple is a classic example of how geographical identity connects people, society and region. This will be the first butter cake variety to get a gastrointestinal label in southern India.
“This recognition will improve additional income and employment opportunities for farmers in rural areas, while villages will grow economically. GI recognition will also enhance processing opportunities,” said P. Manohar Reddy of Nabard's General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM).
