Guava harvesting gains momentum in Pirojpur

PIROJPUR, Aug 22: Harvesting of guava, one of the country's most popular and nutritious fruits, is now in full swing in Pirojpur District.
 
Locally known as the "apple of Bangladesh" due to its superior taste, quality, and medicinal value, the Pirojpur variety of guava has long been in high demand across the country.

The main guava-producing hub - Atghor Village under Atghorkuriana Union in Nesarabad Upazila - along with adjoining areas such as Vimruli Bazar in Jhalokathi district and parts of Barishal District, has taken on a festive atmosphere. Farmers, tourists, agro-researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, foreign envoys, government officials, and media personnel have been thronging the orchards and floating guava markets to witness the harvest season.

This year, guava has been cultivated on nearly 600 hectares of land in Pirojpur. Although insufficient rainfall during the flowering season may slightly affect overall production, farmers remain optimistic as they are fetching good prices for their produce. Seasonal traders from both within and outside the district have flocked to the region, purchasing guavas in bulk to supply markets nationwide.

The Pirojpur guava variety, cultivated for more than two centuries, remains unique to this region and is not widely available elsewhere in the country. 

Grown naturally without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, the fruit is entirely organic and considered safe and healthy for consumers.

Agro-food specialists say guava-based products such as jelly, jam, and juice have immense commercial potential. They emphasize the need for government support and investment to promote guava processing and value addition, which would benefit both growers and  consumers while enhancing the fruit's export potential.