Over a century old guava cultivation in Pirojpur
Around 125 years ago, one Purno Mondal from Atgar-Kuriyana union in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur went to Goya, a sacred place of the Hindu community in India for religious purpose.
He collected some guava seeds from there and eventually planted them in his village home.
When it gave fruit, the delicious guava was quick in gaining popularity and gradually its fame spreaded among the villagers.
Also known as Goya, locals believe that the name indicates the place of origin.
Whilst some are of the belief that the English word guava has been modified into Goiya.
Guava is cultivated in Jalabari and Samudoykati unions in the upazila as well.
At the beginning of July, farmers start collecting guavas and continue for around three months.
Wholesale buyers from different parts of the country including Dhaka gather at different seasonal markets in the upazila. These floating markets run every day in the morning during the peak season.
Guava growers bring their collected produce by small country boats weaving through the narrow creeks. From here, wholesale buyers purchase the guavas.
Guava is the main crop of the farmers in the area. There are hardly any crop lands as most areas are covered with Guava orchards.
Tourists flock the region during peak season, enjoying the sights and smells of the floating guava market.
Locals say the guava orchards in Nesarabad played an important role during the country’s Liberation War in 1971. Freedom fighters would hide in these orchards during their fights.
According to the agriculture department in Nesarabad, guava orchards in this area span an area over 650 hectares.
The process is not without problems though; many cultivators say they have to sell their produce for low prices as these fruits do not last for a long time.
Farmers said that a cold storage can save them from this trouble.
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