Photo: BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS)- By cultivating improved varieties of guava, 
farmers of Khulna region become very happy as its bumper production changes 
their fortune and makes them self-reliant.

According to the Department of the Agricultural Extension (DAE) of Khulna 
Region, farmers have cultivated 1,531 hectares of land with a production 
target of 21,811 tonnes of guava.

Of the Agro-region, a total of 423 hectares of lands were cultivated with a 
production target of 5,543 tonnes of guava in Khulna while 524 hectares of 
land were cultivated with a production target of 7,195 tonnes of guava in 
Bagerhat, 410 hectares were cultivated with a production target of 7,443 
tonnes in Satkhira and 174 hectares were cultivated against 1,630 tonnes of 
guava in Narail district.

During a visit in Golna village under Dumuria upazila in Khulna on Friday, 
the reporter witnessed beautiful scenery where numerous guava are hanging on 
the tree at many orchards.

Talking to BSS, Monirul Islam, 38, a guava farmer, said that he initially 
started growing a new variety of guava, called Thai guava, on six bighas of 
leased land about two years ago in hopes of turning his fortunes.

And while he was initially skeptical about the crop's potential, his doubts 
have since been blown away as Thai guava has become a favourite among the 
people of Bangladesh.

"I was not aware about the prospect of Thai guava as I was doubtful about the 
yield and profit, but my doubts eventually turned into hope after getting 
results," Islam said.

Having attained financial freedom, Islam now looks to expand his guava 
orchard.

After meeting all the expenses, his current orchard rakes in a profit of 
about Taka 3.5 lakh to Taka 4 lakh per year.

Another farmer Emon Khan, 42, of the same village, has achieved remarkable 
success through commercial guava farming. By cultivating improved varieties 
of guava, he has become financially self-reliant and an example for others in 
the region.

Talking to BSS, he said he invested Taka 4 lakh in his guava orchard and 
expects to earn around Taka 12 lakh to Taka 13 lakh from sales this season.

"The improved variety of guava bears fruit throughout the year with minimal 
cost," he added.

"Each guava weighs between half a kilogram to one kilogram, and a tree can 
produce fruit continuously for six to seven years," Emon added.

Currently, he has 1,200 guava trees planted on seven bighas of land, selling 
the fruit at Taka 130-150 per kilogram.

After enjoying early success, he invested Taka 12 lakh to expand his farm 
last year and got good yields and profits.

Inspired by his success, many local farmers have also started guava 
cultivation. Farmers like Shariful Islam of Panchur village under Gutudia 
Union and Debprasad Biswas of Shalua village have been tending guava orchards 
for several years.

Across Dumuria, fields are now filled with improved guava varieties, and many 
young entrepreneurs and unemployed youths are turning to guava farming for 
profit.

According to Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Insad Ibne Amin, guava has been 
cultivated on 30 hectares of land this year.

"Compared to traditional crops, guava farming yields three times more 
profit," he said.

"Saplings from Khulna Horticulture Center are planted at the end of the 
Bangla month of Baishakh, and the trees start bearing fruit within nine 
months," he added.

Each tree produces 100-150 fruits, but farmers are advised to keep only 20-25 
fruits during the early stage to ensure tree health.

Although guavas grow year-round, the spring season fetches the highest 
prices. To prevent insect infestation and fruit rot during the monsoon, 
farmers apply balanced fertilizers and cover the fruits with polyethylene 
wrappers.

The improved guava trees remain productive for at least seven years, 
producing sweet and high-quality fruit. Many local farmers are now shifting 
from traditional crops to guava cultivation due to its profitability.

Md Rafiqul Islam, additional director of the Department of Agricultural 
Extension (DAE) in Khulna, said, "Guava is a highly profitable crop. On one 
bigha of land, farmers can plant around 425 trees, each producing up to 20 
kilograms of fruit annually. At current wholesale rates of Taka 1,500 per 
maund, a single tree can generate around Taka 4,000 in revenue per year."
He said farmers cultivated mainly Thai and Egypt guava with many varieties 
including popular Sayde guava locally known as 'Kanchan', Thai-3, Thai-5, 
Thai-7, Thai Golden-8 and Egypt variety guava side by side with local 
variety.

The DAE officials regularly visit guava orchards to provide training on eco-
friendly pest control and modern cultivation methods, he added.

Farmers in the region are also being encouraged to grow intercrops like 
lemon, strawberry, watermelon and malta within their orchards for diversified 
income and sustainable farming.