Chattogram: ‘Kanchan Guava’ cultivated in 830 acres of hilly terrain in the Chandanaish and Patiya upazilas of Chattogram has begun arriving in local markets, generating seasonal sales of over Tk six crore for farmers. The reputation of this traditional guava has gone beyond national borders due to its flavor, color, distinctive shape, and prolonged freshness, allowing it to secure a position in international markets.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, since early August, Kanchan Guava has been observed for sale throughout Chattogram. With a bountiful harvest, farmers are actively collecting guavas from their orchards and selling them to traders. Wholesalers from regions including Dhaka, Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rajshahi source guavas directly from the fields. Moreover, these guavas are being exported to several countries worldwide, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait in the Middle East.
This development not only brings joy to farmers but also creates new opportunities for the agricultural economy of the country. Local farmers, traders, and exporters have noted that Kanchan guava, grown in fertile soil and under favorable climatic conditions, has long been celebrated nationwide for its taste and quality.
Mohammad Ismail Chowdhury Hanif, proprietor of Chattogram Foods and Vegetables, a fruit and vegetable exporting company, stated that although demand for ‘Kanchan guava’ in the foreign market has increased, there are several structural limitations in the export process. Guavas of this variety have been exported abroad for about 10-15 years, with about Tk 1.5 to two crore worth of guavas and other varieties being exported annually.
Hanif emphasized the importance of modernizing the entire system from production to marketing to establish ‘Kanchan guava’ as an exportable agricultural product. He highlighted the need for an international standard packaging system, storage facilities, and cold chain infrastructure to realize the guava’s export potential fully.
Runa Saha, Assistant Professor of the Department of Economics at the University of Chattogram, explained that increasing the export of agricultural products would create opportunities to earn foreign exchange and increase jobs and farmers’ income locally. She noted that the guava has changed the lives of thousands of farmers and reduced unemployment problems in the region.
The cultivation of guava has expanded to the adjacent upazila of Patiya and surrounding hilly regions. Guava is grown without pesticides, classifying the produce as organic. Local guava farmers assert that the fruit is nutrient-rich, sweet, contains few hard seeds, and is visually appealing. The term ‘Kanchan Guava’ originates from Kanchannagar village, where this variety was first cultivated.
Farmers like Jane Alam and Sagir Ahmed have shared insights on the profitability and challenges of guava farming. While the fruit is in high demand, its perishable nature means farmers must sell it quickly, highlighting the need for cold storage facilities. Despite discussions on constructing such facilities by the upazila administration, progress remains elusive.
Temporary markets for guava are set up at various locations during the season, attracting wholesale traders. Chandanaish Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Azad Hossain stated that the agricultural office provides ongoing advice and technical support to farmers. He suggested that contracts with jam and jelly producers could help farmers secure fair prices, noting that guava production in Chandnaish and Patiya surpasses the market price of Tk 6 crore each season.