The 'Kanchan Guava' cultivated in 830 acres of hilly terrain in Chandanaish and Patiya upazilas of Chattogram has begun arriving in local markets, generating seasonal sales of over Tk 6 crore for farmers. The traditional 'Kanchan Guava' has gained a reputation both nationally and internationally due to its unmatched flavor, appealing color, distinctive fruit shape, and prolonged freshness.
Since early August, Kanchan Guava has been observed for sale in various locations throughout Chattogram. Thanks to a bountiful harvest, farmers are actively engaged in collecting guava from their orchards and selling it to traders. Wholesalers from various regions, including Dhaka, Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Sylhet, Khulna, and Rajshahi, are sourcing guavas directly from the fields.
Moreover, these guavas from Chandanaish-Patiya are being exported to several countries worldwide, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait in the Middle East. This development has not only brought joy to farmers but has also created new opportunities for the agricultural economy of the country.
Local farmers, traders, and exporters have noted that Kanchan guava, grown in fertile soil and under favorable climatic conditions, has long been celebrated nationwide for its exceptional taste and quality. Mohammad Ismail Chowdhury Hanif, proprietor of Chattogram Foods and Vegetables, a fruit and vegetable exporting company, said that although the demand for ‘Kanchan guava’ in the foreign market has increased, there are several structural limitations in the export process.
Hanif emphasized the need to modernize the entire system from production to marketing to fully establish ‘Kanchan guava’ as an exportable agricultural product. He highlighted the importance of an international standard packaging system, storage facilities, and cold chain infrastructure. Runa Saha, Assistant Professor of the Department of Economics at the University of Chattogram, noted that increased agricultural exports could create opportunities to earn foreign exchange, increase jobs, and boost farmers' income at the local level.
Guava is cultivated in approximately 2,000 gardens spanning 750 hectares across various hilly regions, including Dhopachhari, Hashimpur, Jungle Hashimpur, Allahabad, Dohazari, and Jungle Jamizuri in Chandanaish upazila. Additionally, around 80 hectares of land in the hilly areas of Shrimai, Kharna, and Haidgaon in Patiya upazila are dedicated to guava cultivation. The guava is grown without the use of pesticides, making it an organic produce.
Local guava farmers assert that the fruit is nutrient-rich and possesses a distinctive flavor. 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 recognized as 'Guava Village,' and the fruit has achieved renown as 'Kanchan Guava.'
