Ahmed Khan Malik

Guava growers in Sindh have called for establishing guava processing facilities in the province for value-addition to boost exports.

Guava is the third most significant fruit of Sindh, primarily cultivated in the central and upper districts of the province. Sindh has 24,000 acres dedicated to guava cultivation, producing 70,000 tonnes of fruit annually in both winter and summer.  The winter crop, available from November to March, is considered more valuable by farmers. The summer fruit is available from April to mid-August. Sindh contributes 13% to the national guava production. Larkana is the largest guava-producing district, accounting for 45% of the total provincial production. It is followed by Hyderabad, Nausheroferoz, Nawabshah and Mirpurkhas districts.

Though Pakistan exports guava to different countries, there is no regular trend followed by exporters and, mostly they depend on individual orders for exports. “Guava pulps are important value-added products with demand in both local and export markets,” Bachal Meerani, a grower in Larkhan, told WealthPK.  “The local market of fruit juices, nectars and drinks has been growing fast during the past five years. Consequently, the demand for fruit pulps has also increased,” he said.  Meerani said that processing facilities are needed for value addition to boost local and foreign sales.

“Such facilities will contribute towards reducing post-harvest losses, increasing employment opportunities and maximising crop value for farmers,” he added.  Meerani said that importance of fruit pulps for the local market is further substantiated by the fact that growth in juices and nectars market has been higher than that of still drinks. “Juices and nectars require a higher percentage of fruit pulps than those for still drinks.” “Pakistan is the second largest guava producer in the world. This strength can be developed to launch guava products in export markets also,” he added. Sajjad Junejo, Director of the Sindh Agriculture Department, said that setting up processing facilities is under consideration.

He said a large guava pulping unit would be set up. “Apart from this, the possibility of setting up small guava pulping units in and around the orchards may also be evaluated.” Junejo noted that there is a growing demand for guava pulp in local and international markets. “Though Pakistan is an important exporter of guavas in the international market, it is not recognised as an important supplier of guava pulp. Fruit pulp is the raw material for making ready-to-drink beverages and juices. The local market for these products has grown rapidly in recent years,” he noted.

Credit: INP-WealthPk