A hill near Hanagal in Molakalmuru taluk, where custard apples grow naturally
Chitradurga: A prolonged rainfall deficit has dealt a severe blow to the naturally growing custard apple crop in the forest and hilly regions of Molakalmuru taluk in Chitradurga district, with the yield plunging nearly 90% this year. Custard apple trees grow naturally across 3,971 hectares under the jurisdiction of the forest department in the taluk. the yield this year has dropped to just three or four fruits per tree While a healthy tree normally bears 50-80 fruits.
However, scanty rainfall and prolonged dry weather have caused the fruits to wither on the trees.
“Members of our family were granted 500 acres by King Madakari Nayaka to grow grass for his horses.
This year, there is hardly any fruit available for sale,” trader Siddanna Palegar said. Custard apple grew abundantly on this land, and contractors participated in annual auctions to procure the fruit.