India looks to promote new variety of custard apple
Q. India has asked China in October 2015 to provide export clearance to a new variety of custard apple called ___________.- Published on 19 Oct 15a. Arkha Sahan
b. Stifle
c. Cherimoya
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Arkha Sahan
India aims to promote a new variety of custard apple called Arka Sahan which was developed by IIHR Bengaluru in a span of 17 years. Said to be unbeatable in terms of nutritional value, size and shelf life, this is not pure Sitaphal but a new fruit comprising 75% of the former and 25% cherimoya. Fruit gets its name from Arkavati river flowing close to IIHR Bengaluru. From the nutritional point of view, the new variety of custard apple contains 87% more crude protein, 249% greater phosphorous and 42% more calcium compared to custard apple. It can be cultivated in hot dry regions such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. It has few seeds and ripe fruit is firm along with longer shelf life. This is 25% larger than the typical custard apple.
