Guava, a tasty summer fruit is now abundantly available in the markets due to an abundant production in Pabna.
According to the agriculturists, Pabna is one of the best guava growing areas in Bangladesh for its favourable climate, soil and temperature.
A source of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) at Pabna said that there are 1,020 guava orchards comprising 760 hectares in nine regions. From this land about 2,750 tonnes of guava was produced this season.
The varieties are Thai, Bombay, Anguri and Deshi. Among these Thai and Bombay are the best varieties but the number of fruits per tree is far less than Anguri and Deshi varieties.
Thai and Bombay varieties are pricier than Deshi and Anguri for their quality, taste and flavour. At present Thai and Bombay are selling around Tk 61.25 (USD 0.79) per kg in different markets of the district whereas the price of Anguri and Desi is selling around Tk 17.50 (USD 0.23) per kg.
Deputy Director of DAE at Pabna Bibhuti Bhushon Sarker said this year at the beginning of the season the weather was not favourable and it was apprehended that the yield of guava would not be satisfactory.
But gradually the weather improved and the yield was satisfactory. He further said the soil, climate and other factors of Pabna district are suitable for guava cultivation.
Guava cultivation brings handsome amount of money to the orchard owners. Jahangir Sardar of Bakkarpur village under Ishwardi upazila of the district said he had raised guava orchard on 108 bighas (17.34 ha) of land and he earns Tk 10 million (USD 138,000) to Tk 15 million (USD 192,000)each year from his orchards.
Not only the owners but the 30 to 40 labourers also earn good amount of money for plucking and sorting guava.
Source: The Financial Express