Thai Guava farming is Profitable. Here’s Why
Today most fruits in the market cost upward of Rs 50. The only fruit which is priced quite low is bananas which sell in the range of Rs 20. While the retail prices are high for consumers, the wholesale price or the price which the farmer gets is often very low. Even with low prices, if farmers had to make profit, they have to increase yield, Quality and all this in limited space.
Traditionally Guava was cultivated in various regions but the total number of trees per acre was not more than 100. The yield was limited and the quality was mediocre. Over the past few years, there have been a few varieties which were developed in India and some imported from abroad. The fruit size was larger, the quality of the fruit was improved and the yield itself was tremendously improved.
One of the few varieties which is currently cultivated in India by farmers is the Thai Guava. The thai guava, as the name suggests were imported from Taiwan. These guavas can grow up to 2 Kilos, though most traders prefer smaller sizes for sale. The guava is harvested when they are approximately 200-300 grams.
Why is Thai guava preferred by Farmers
- Total number of plants per acre is 600
- 2 seasons per year, Meaning 2 harvest.
- More Yield
- Yield from first year, but most farmers tend to skip the first year for plant growth
- Up to 20 KG from second year, 30 KG in third year and up to 40 KG from 4th year onwards
- Good quality fruits , Preferred for Export and local market
- Moderate maintenance and pest.
A traditional Guava plantation with large trees , albeit grafted will give you 200-350 KG fruit per tree and only once a year. That would amount to 2000 – 3500 Kilos of fruit per year. With Thai Guava, The second year yield is 20 KG per Tree which amounts to 12000 Kilos. Third year is 18000 Kilos and from the fourth year onwards you can get at least 24000 Kilos per acre.
The average price for Guava is 40 Rs per KG. even if you sell it for 20Rs Per KG you get 2 Lakh 40 thousand Rupees. With an expense of 1 Lakh per year for maintenance, fertilizers etc, you will still be left with 1 lakh 40 thousand rupees from the second year. From the third year, the expenses remain the same and the returns increase.
Farmers have earned 8 Lakh Rs per acre every year. 4 Acre of Thai guava cultivation has earned 32 Lakh for a farmer in Karnataka.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkqiRt2AIzI). Success stories range from all over india and why thai guava is one of the most preferred crop for cultivation.
Seasonal Crop.
Thai guava is cultivated twice a year. This is a good advantage for farmers as even if one crop fails or if the market price is low during one season, they have an opportunity to cover the cost the second season. Unlike mangoes and many other seasonal fruits, Farmers do not have to wait an entire year to get back their investment. This is a relief for most farmers who are cash crunched!
Investment
There is a a good amount of investment in Thai guava plantation. Labour takes over 60% of the investment. Other investments include Drip irrigation (approximately 50,000 Rs), Plant (120 Rs per plant), Fertilizers and pesticides, Soil testing costs, covers and foam to cover the Fruit when they are developing are the major costs involved in thai guava cultivation.
Expect to spend anywhere between 150,000 to 200,000 the first year for just the basic setup and an additional 50,000 Rs for purchase of plastic covers and foam to cover the fruits when its ready.
Pruning the plant is key to keeping your Thai guava plants yield better. Pruning is done when the stem is at least 2 feet long and the stem is cut leaving 3 leaves. Branches sprout out from the lower, remaining part of the stem adding more branches. By the 3rd year You should have a plant at least 3 meters tall and 3 meters canopy!.
Things to watch for before Planting Thai Guava
The soil conditions. Sandy Loam soil is preferred with no water retention. Clay soil should be avoided. If cultivating in Clay soil Add more organic matter and compost to loosen the soil before preparation.
Guava plants take a weather between 10 degree to 40 degree celsius without a problem. With colder weather, the fruits tend to be small, But the plants can handle itself well. The best weather condition is between 16 to 35 Degrees.
Guava is resistant to most pests and little pesticides are used during the cultivation. Spraying is done once or twice a year, when needed only.
Fertigation is done regularly. Refer https://discuss.farmnest.com/t/thaiwan-guava-boon-to-guava-farmers/3734 For fertigation schedule.
The highest cost involved in Cultivating Thai guava is for pruning the plants and during fruit setting. 2 Labourers are required full time for pruning per acre, and also to maintain the farm to be free from weeds. When fruiting begins, each fruit is covered with foam followed by a plastic cover and then a newspaper. This prevents pest attack, provides a uniform color on the fruit and suitable for export. The process of covering each fruit with foam, Plastic covers and papers take a reasonable amount of time and at least 300 Man days are required to complete the process per acre.
