Sehore Guava

Bharat 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. It is estimated that guava (Psidium guajava) is the fourth most important fruit crop after mango, banana and orange.

Known locally as jamaphal, the humble guava is widely cultivated across the districts in Madhya Pradesh which is fast emerging as the hub for agricultural produce and food processing. Sehore in particular has hugely benefited from the successful central government PMFME scheme that offers loans to farmers with guava plantations that extends to purchase of raw material and processing, machinery, packaging and transportation. This scheme also offers impetus to food processing and agricultural industries in these guava clusters to prepare value – added products and provide employment to the locals.

Small and marginal farmers cultivate native as well as high – yielding varieties like Allahabad Safeda, Lucknow 49, Chittidar, Shweta and others. Guava is generally grown throughout the year though the best quality is available in August. Guavas are sold in the markets within the state as well as in Maharashtra, Odisha, Bihar and Delhi.

Sehore guavas are used to prepare 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.

The guava fruit, seeds and leaves are revered for its immense healing, medicinal and nutritional properties. It is used to treat high fever, cough, cold, skin ailments, diarrhoea, constipation, dysentery, high blood pressure, piles and others.

It is highly recommended as a super fruit to improve the immune system, lose weight, purify the blood and prevent cancer and heart diseases. It is rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and Vitamin C. The seeds and leaves of the guava are used to treat fatigue and insomnia respectively.

Written by Lakshmi Subramanian