July 30, 2026 | The Daily Star |
Guava farmers in Bangladesh’s Nesarabad and Jhalakathi areas are receiving record prices this season as sharply reduced production creates a supply shortage. Premium guavas are selling for more than Tk 1,000 per maund, compared with typical peak-season prices of around Tk 400–800.
Growers estimate that orchards are producing only about one-third of expected output. Unfavorable weather during flowering, combined with pests and diseases, has significantly reduced yields. Anthracnose, beetles, and fruit flies are among the main problems, with damage remaining largely uncontrolled because farmers generally avoid pesticide use.
Despite lower production, strong demand and limited supply have enabled farmers to maintain high prices throughout the peak harvest period. Traders and wholesalers are struggling to secure sufficient quantities, reversing the usual market situation in which growers actively seek buyers. The reduced crop is also expected to shorten the harvesting season.
Seasonal guava cultivation covers approximately 600 hectares in Nesarabad and 295 hectares in Jhalakathi Sadar. The fruit is distributed to markets throughout Bangladesh, including Dhaka.
