GI-Tagged Jumbo Custard Apple from Seoni to Enter International Market for First Time

Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district has achieved a significant milestone as its famous GI-tagged Jumbo Custard Apple (Sitaphal) is set to enter the international market for the first time. Under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the fruit will be exported to Dubai, opening new opportunities for local farmers and women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

First Consignment to Leave for Dubai on October 31

The first consignment of Jumbo Custard Apples will be dispatched from Khermatakol in Seoni district to Nagpur on October 31, 2026. From Nagpur, the shipment will be transported by air via Sharjah to Dubai. The procurement process was completed on October 30, 2026, by women’s Producer Groups (PGs) associated with the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (MPSRLM). The fruits were purchased directly from local farmers.

Joint Efforts of Administration, APEDA and Export Company

The export initiative has been facilitated through the coordinated efforts of several organisations, including:

• Seoni District Administration, which coordinated the initiative at the district level.
• Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, which mobilised women’s Self-Help Groups and Producer Groups.
• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which supported the agricultural export initiative.
• Cognify Impex Private Limited, which participated in facilitating the international shipment.

Key officials involved in implementing the initiative include Vinay Nigam, Chief Executive Officer of the State Rural Livelihood Mission, Bhopal; Seoni Collector Anju Arun Kumar; and District Panchayat CEO Anjali Shah.

New Opportunities for Farmers and Rural Women

The export of Seoni’s Jumbo Custard Apple is expected to strengthen the local rural economy by connecting farmers directly with international markets. Farmers are expected to benefit from better market access and potentially higher prices for their produce. Meanwhile, women associated with Self-Help Groups will gain practical experience in agricultural procurement, collection, grading, marketing and export operations.