The reputation of the traditional 'Kanchan Guava' has transcended national boundaries, with the fruit continuing to find a place on grocery shelves across the Middle East, from the hilly terrain of Chandanaish and Patiya upazilas in Chattogram.

Its unmatched flavour, appealing colour, distinctive shape and prolonged freshness make it a favourite among guava lovers.

Farmers can almost guarantee high returns, although there is still more that can be done.

Sagir Ahmed, a farmer, noted that with diligent effort and proper garden maintenance, one can earn up to 150,000 taka per acre during the season, which can often mean almost double the initial investment.

The guava variety has already carved out a six-crore-taka market for itself, considering both domestic and export sales.

But Sagir says that due to the perishable nature of guava, farmers are often unable to secure a reasonable price.

“After harvesting from the garden, it is imperative to sell the guava promptly. The establishment of cold storage facilities is essential for preserving guava in the region,” he added.

The Kanchan guava is cultivated on 830 acres in Chandanaish and Patiya upazilas. It hit the market in early August this year.

Since early August, the guava has been selling at locations throughout Chattogram, as well as in Dhaka, Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Sylhet, Khulna and Rajshahi.

Additionally, around 1.5-2 crore taka worth of the fruit is exported each year to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.

Even there remains untapped potential.

Mohammad Ismail Chowdhury Hanif, proprietor of Chattogram Foods and Vegetables, a fruit and vegetable exporting company, said that although demand for Kanchan guava in foreign markets has increased, there are several structural limitations in the export process.

He said it is important to modernise the entire system, from production to marketing, to fully establish guava as an exportable agricultural product.

To this end, he said emphasis has to be placed mainly on two aspects — an international-standard packaging system and storage facilities and cold-chain infrastructure.

“Without these, exports will not increase as per the potential. If an international-standard 'packing house' is built at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport for the export of quality vegetables and fruits, it is possible to increase the amount of exports many times,” he said.

Rabiul Hossain, a guava farmer from Kharna village in Patiya, echoes the sentiment.

“This fruit is in high demand in remote areas. Although discussions have taken place regarding the construction of cold storage by the upazila administration, no tangible progress has been made yet,” he said.

Regarding fair prices, Chandanaish Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Azad Hossain said, “If jam and jelly producers establish long-term contracts with guava farmers, the latter will receive a fair price.”

A local legend transforming fortunes

Runa Saha, Assistant Professor of the Department of Economics at the University of Chattogram, said, “If the export of agricultural products increases, it will create opportunities to earn foreign exchange.

“On the other hand, it will increase jobs and farmers' income at the local level.”

Farmer Jane Alam from Chandanaish said, “I have cultivated guava on approximately 8 acres of land. Ten workers are employed in the garden, earning between 600-800 taka each.”

“A basket contains around 250 guavas. At the start of the current season, a pair of guava baskets was sold for 2,500 taka. However, the price tends to decline as the season progresses,” he added.

In addition to Kanchannagar in Chandanaish, the guava is also cultivated in approximately 2,000 gardens spanning 750 hectares across various hilly regions, including Dhopachhari, Hashimpur, Jungle Hashimpur, Allahabad, Dohazari and Jungle Jamizuri in the upazila.

Besides, around 80 hectares of land in the hilly areas of Shrimai, Kharna and Haidgaon in Patiya upazila are also dedicated to guava cultivation.

As guava is grown without the use of pesticides, the produce can be classified as organic guava.

Local guava farmers assert that the fruit is nutrient-rich and possesses a distinctive flavour. It is sweet, contains very few hard seeds and is visually appealing.

When ripe, the flesh can be white, yellow or reddish.

The term 'Kanchan Guava' originates from the fact that this particular variety was first cultivated in Kanchannagar village of Chandanaish upazila in Chattogram.

This guava has bestowed a unique identity upon the village, which is now recognised as 'Guava Village', and the fruit has achieved renown as 'Kanchan Guava.'

The cultivation of guava has since expanded to the adjacent upazila of Patiya and the surrounding hilly regions.

Local school teacher Subhash Mallick noted that during the guava season, temporary markets for guava are set up at various locations within the upazila, including Kanchannagar in Chandanaish, Kanchannagar Railway Station, in front of BGC Trust University, Khanhat, Gachbaria College Gate, Badamtal, Rawshan Hat, Bagicha Hat, Dohazari, Kamal Munshir Hat and Kharna bus stand in Patiya. Wholesale traders frequently visit these markets.

*Certain portions of the original BSS report have been recast to fit Daily Waadaa's style requirements.