Guava (Psidium guajava) is one of the most commonly grown fruit crops in India. Known for its hardiness, low maintenance, and high yield, guava is widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions of the country. It is often referred to as the “poor man’s apple” due to its affordability and excellent nutritional value.

Guava is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and several essential minerals, making it a healthy and popular choice among consumers. For farmers, guava offers good returns with minimal inputs, making it an ideal fruit crop for both small and large-scale cultivation.

Ideal Conditions for Guava Cultivation

• Climate: Guava thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It can tolerate both dry and humid conditions but performs best in areas with moderate rainfall.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Avoid waterlogged or saline soils.
• Temperature: The ideal temperature range is 23°C to 28°C, though guava can withstand higher temperatures and mild frost.

Best Varieties of Guava in India

Some popular guava varieties suitable for commercial cultivation include:

• Allahabad Safeda – Known for its sweet white pulp and high productivity.
• Lalit – Early bearing variety with good shelf life.
• Lucknow 49 (Sardar) – Suitable for both table consumption and processing.
• Shweta – A variety resistant to wilt and pests.

Planting and Maintenance

• Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 5m x 5m in normal planting. High-density planting (HDG) with 3m x 3m spacing can be adopted for higher yields.
• Planting Time: The best time to plant guava is during the monsoon season (June–August).
• Irrigation: While guava is drought-resistant, young plants need regular watering. Irrigate during flowering and fruit-setting stages for better yield.
• Manure and Fertilizer: Apply well-decomposed FYM (Farmyard Manure) during planting. Supplement with NPK fertilizers based on soil testing. Foliar sprays of micronutrients enhance fruit size and quality.

Pest and Disease Control

Guava is relatively hardy, but it is prone to:

• Fruit flies
• Mealybugs
• Wilt disease

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices including:

• Field sanitation
• Sticky traps
• Neem oil spray
• Resistant varieties

Harvesting and Yield

Guava trees start bearing fruit within 2–3 years of planting. Harvesting is done when the fruits turn light green to yellow and become soft to touch. One healthy guava tree can yield 50–80 kg of fruit annually under good care.

Post-harvest handling includes:

• Gentle picking to avoid bruising
• Grading based on size and quality
• Packing in ventilated crates or boxes

Market and Profitability

Guava has consistent market demand across India. It can be sold in:

• Local markets
• Processing industries (juice, jams, jellies)
• Export markets (especially white pulp varieties)

With low input costs and steady income, guava farming is a profitable and sustainable venture for Indian farmers.

Conclusion

Guava is a perfect example of a low-investment, high-return fruit crop. Its adaptability to different soils and climates, along with its nutritional value and market demand, makes it an excellent choice for Indian farmers. By adopting modern cultivation techniques and good post-harvest practices, guava growers can enjoy better income and long-term sustainability.