Bhopal Guava

It is perhaps not known to many that India is the world’s largest producer of guava with the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar having the highest area under cultivation and average annual production. Madhya Pradesh is recognized as one of the thriving agricultural and food processing hubs of India.

It is estimated that guava (Psidium guajava) is the 4th most important fruit crop in Madhya Pradesh after mango, banana and orange. The native and hybrid varieties cultivated especially in Bhopal are low in sugar, big in size, weighty and packed with calcium, magnesium, Vitamin B9 and C and minerals. This is largely attributed to the excellent soil condition and conducive climatic factors.

Bhopal guava is revered for its nutritional, medicinal and healing properties and is used to treat high BP, constipation, hormonal problems and tooth ache. The seeds and leaves of the guava are used to treat fatigue and insomnia respectively. Bhopal guavas are in great demand in the nearby markets of Maharashtra, Bihar and Gujarat and exported to USA, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Small and marginal farmers cultivate both the indigenous as well as the high – yielding varieties like Sardar L – 49, Allahabad Safeda, Gwalior – 27, Lalit, Shweta and others. Guava is generally grown throughout the year though the best quality is available in August.

The state and central government have taken the initiative to set up huge fruit processing plants in and around Bhopal to cater to the needs of the farmers. These facilities will prepare many value – added products like guava squash, guava concentrate, guava kulfi, guava pickle, guava chutney, guava ice cream, guava jelly, guava jam, guava wine, dried guava, guava candy, guava nectar, guava puree, guava powder, canned guava, guava juice and guava pulp. Guava seeds are used in salad dressing. The leaves of guava are used in the dyeing and tanning industries.

Written by Lakshmi Subramanian