Southern Bangladesh's largest guava region spanning Jhalakathi, Barishal and Pirojpur is in full harvest and filling the famous Bhimruli floating market with fresh produce and thousands of visitors daily.
Every morning the local farmers collect guavas from their orchards and row small boats loaded with fruit to the Bhimruli Haat in Jhalakathi Sadar. Wholesalers from across the country also Dhaka and Chattogram gather to purchase the crop.
This season guavas are selling at around 1,200 taka per maund. While growers welcome the favorable prices and many note that rising costs for land preparation and fertilizers under the traditional Kandi cultivation method have reduced profit margins.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) expects a yield of 5,700 metric tons from 570 hectares of guava orchards in Jhalakathi district alone. DAE officials noted that strong market prices are boosting the regional economy.
Beyond trade, the 300-year-old orchard network attracts domestic and international tourists who hire small boats to navigate the canals and sample fresh fruit.
However, visitors and locals have highlighted the need for improved lodging, dining and safety facilities to better support the growing tourism sector. The three-month guava season runs through Ashadh, Shrawan and Bhadra.
