Madhya Pradesh: Seoni's jumbo custard apples head to Dubai: first consignment of GI-tagged fruit opens doors to the global market for local farmers and rural women
Seoni: A unique fruit from Madhya Pradesh is set to make its mark in the international market. On Sunday, the first consignment of GI-tagged 'Seoni Jumbo Custard Apples' was dispatched from the district—a significant achievement for local farmers and rural women.
Approximately 1.25 tonnes of custard apples, packed into 400 parcels in accordance with international standards, will reach Dubai via Nagpur Air Cargo and Sharjah. Known for their unusually large size and natural sweetness, these fruits are now reaching consumers abroad.
District Collector Anju Arun Kumar flagged off the consignment in the presence of senior district officials and representatives from various agencies.
Farmers and Women’s Groups Join Forces
This export initiative is part of the 'Sitaphal se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Custard Apples) campaign. Under this, the district administration, the Horticulture Department, and the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission are collaborating to improve the production, processing, packaging, and marketing of the fruit.
Local farmers and women from self-help groups supplied the produce through 'producer groups' formed under the Rural Livelihood Mission. The fruit was then sorted, graded, and packed to meet international standards. This initiative has also created new income-generating opportunities for rural women through collective business activities.
The administration plans to expand exports to other international markets, including London and Canada. Additionally, efforts are underway to promote other local products abroad.
Collector Kumar stated that this initial export would bring global recognition to the hard work of Seoni’s farmers and rural women, while also helping them secure better market opportunities.