Khulna: By cultivating improved varieties of guava, farmers in the Khulna region are experiencing a transformation in their fortunes, becoming self-reliant due to bumper production.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) of Khulna Region reports that farmers have cultivated 1,531 hectares of land, aiming for a production target of 21,811 tonnes of guava. Within this agro-region, Khulna has 423 hectares dedicated to guava with a production target of 5,543 tonnes, Bagerhat has 524 hectares with a target of 7,195 tonnes, Satkhira has 410 hectares with a target of 7,443 tonnes, and Narail district has 174 hectares with a target of 1,630 tonnes.
During a visit to Golna village in Dumuria upazila, the scenic view of numerous guavas hanging on trees was notable. Monirul Islam, a 38-year-old guava farmer, began cultivating a new variety called Thai guava on six bighas of leased land two years ago. Initially skeptical, Islam now sees Thai guava as a favorite among Bangladeshis, bringing him financial success and the prospect of expanding his orchard. His current orchard profits range from Taka 3.5 lakh to Taka 4 lakh annually.
Another farmer, Emon Khan, 42, from the same village, has achieved success through commercial guava farming. He invested Taka 4 lakh in his orchard and expects to earn between Taka 12 lakh and Taka 13 lakh this season. Khan notes that the improved guava variety bears fruit year-round with minimal cost, with each guava weighing between half a kilogram to one kilogram. His 1,200 guava trees on seven bighas yield significant profits, selling at Taka 130-150 per kilogram.
Inspired by these successes, many local farmers, including Shariful Islam of Panchur village and Debprasad Biswas of Shalua village, have started guava cultivation. Dumuria fields are now filled with improved guava varieties, attracting young entrepreneurs and unemployed youths for profit.
Md Insad Ibne Amin, Upazila Agriculture Officer, states that guava has been cultivated on 30 hectares this year, offering three times more profit than traditional crops. Saplings from Khulna Horticulture Center are planted at the end of the Bangla month of Baishakh, with trees bearing fruit within nine months.
Md Rafiqul Islam, additional director of the DAE in Khulna, highlights guava as a highly profitable crop. On one bigha, farmers can plant around 425 trees, each yielding up to 20 kilograms of fruit annually. At current wholesale rates, a single tree can generate about Taka 4,000 in revenue per year. Farmers predominantly cultivate Thai and Egypt guava varieties, alongside popular local varieties. DAE officials provide regular training on eco-friendly pest control and modern cultivation practices.
Farmers are also encouraged to grow intercrops like lemon, strawberry, watermelon, and malta within their orchards for diversified income and sustainable farming.