Seoni Custard Apple is set to reach the international market for the first time, with a planned export shipment from Madhya Pradesh’s Seoni district to Dubai. The GI-tagged Jumbo Custard Apple, also known as Sitaphal, is being promoted under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The move is expected to create new opportunities for local farmers and women involved in rural Producer Groups and Self-Help Groups.

The planned export is an important step for Seoni’s fruit growers. By connecting local produce with an overseas market, the initiative aims to improve market access and support rural livelihoods. The shipment also highlights the role of product identity and quality in helping agricultural goods reach buyers beyond India.

First Shipment Planned for Dubai

According to the supplied report, the first consignment was scheduled to leave Khermatakol in Seoni district for Nagpur on 31 October 2026. From Nagpur, the fruit was to be transported by air through Sharjah before reaching Dubai.

The procurement process was reported to have been completed on 30 October 2026. Women’s Producer Groups associated with the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (MPSRLM) purchased the fruits directly from local farmers.

The shipment is intended to introduce Seoni’s Jumbo Custard Apple to buyers in the United Arab Emirates. The export route through Nagpur and Sharjah is part of the logistics planned for moving the fresh fruit to its overseas destination.

What Makes Seoni’s Jumbo Custard Apple Special?

Custard apple, commonly called Sitaphal in India, is a fruit known for its sweet, creamy pulp. Seoni’s Jumbo Custard Apple has gained attention for its size and regional identity. Its Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognises its link to a specific place and the characteristics associated with that origin.

A GI tag helps identify products that come from a particular geographical area. It can support the reputation of local products and help distinguish them from similar goods produced elsewhere.

For farmers, a recognised regional identity can be useful when promoting a product in new markets. It may also help buyers understand where the fruit comes from and what makes it distinct.

One District One Product Initiative

The export is being carried out under the One District One Product initiative. The programme aims to promote products associated with specific districts and help them gain wider market access.

In Seoni, the initiative focuses on the Jumbo Custard Apple. Connecting the fruit with international buyers may help local growers develop new sales opportunities and strengthen the district’s agricultural economy.

The programme also brings attention to the importance of organising farmers, improving procurement and supporting the movement of agricultural products from rural areas to larger markets.

Role of Government Agencies and Export Partners

The shipment has involved cooperation between several organisations. The Seoni District Administration has coordinated the initiative at the district level, while the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission has supported women’s Producer Groups and Self-Help Groups.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has also supported the agricultural export initiative. Cognify Impex Private Limited is involved in facilitating the international shipment.

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

Such coordination is important for agricultural exports because fresh fruit needs careful procurement, handling, grading, packaging and transport. These steps help maintain quality as the produce moves from farms to international markets.

New Opportunities for Farmers and Rural Women

The planned export could create new opportunities for farmers by connecting them with buyers outside the local market. Access to international demand may provide another route for selling their produce, although actual returns will depend on prices, costs and market demand.

Women’s Producer Groups and Self-Help Groups are also expected to gain practical experience in procurement, collection, grading, marketing and export-related activities. These skills can support their participation in future agricultural supply chains.

The initiative may also encourage greater cooperation among farmers, rural groups, government agencies and private businesses. For Seoni, the first international shipment of Jumbo Custard Apple represents a new step in promoting its regional fruit and expanding the reach of local agricultural products.