Sitafal, also called custard apple, is a sweet and creamy fruit enjoyed by people of all ages. It is loved for its soft texture and delicious taste. The fruit grows mainly in warm, dry regions of India and is harvested during the late monsoon and winter months. Several states in India produce sitafal in large quantities, making it easily available in markets across the country.
India produces about 1,278,000 tonnes of custard apples every year, grown over an area of nearly 105,000 hectares. The fruit is mainly cultivated in warm and dry regions, making it popular in several states. This large production ensures that custard apples are available in markets across the country during their harvest season.
Custard apple, also called sitafal, is a soft and sweet fruit enjoyed all over India. It grows well in warm and dry regions with little irrigation. In 2025, several states continue to lead in its production, supporting farmers and providing fresh fruit to markets.
Here are the top-5 custard apple producing states in India in 2025:
Maharashtra leads the country with over 120,000 tonnes of custard apples every year. Dryland districts like Beed, Aurangabad, Jalna and Osmanabad are the main growing areas. Farmers here often grow sitafal with minimal irrigation, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly crop.
Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich variety of fruits, and custard apple is one of its specialties. The fruit is mainly grown in tribal regions, where it plays an important role in the local economy. Fresh custard apples from MP are sold widely across Central India.
In southern India, Andhra Pradesh grows mainly in rocky terrain using natural rainfall. This makes it perfect for dryland farming communities. The fruit from this region is fresh, sweet and loved by people in nearby markets.
Chhattisgarh is rich in biodiversity and forests. Here, custard apples often grow naturally in tribal zones without the need for much human effort. The fruit is also part of the state’s forest produce trade, helping tribal communities earn a livelihood.
Gujarat’s arid regions like Dahod and Sabarkantha contribute a significant share of India’s custard apple production. People enjoy the fruit raw, and it is also used in milkshakes and sweets, making it popular in both local and urban markets.
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