<p>Tumakuru: Guava cultivation in Tumakuru district is expanding steadily, with annual market supply now exceeding 7,000 metric tonnes.</p><p>Farmers are increasingly turning to the high-demand ‘Taiwan White Guava’ variety, boosting both production and income.</p><p>According to data from the Horticulture Department, guava was grown on 184 hectares in 2018–19. By 2022–23, the cultivation area had nearly doubled to 367 hectares. The surge is largely attributed to the growing popularity and market demand for the Taiwan variety, which has proven to be high-yielding and profitable.</p><p>Five years ago, guava production in the district stood at around 3,000 metric tonnes per year. It has now more than doubled to 7,000 metric tonnes. Areas traditionally known for dry conditions—such as Pavagada, Madhugiri, and Sira taluks—are seeing an annual increase in guava cultivation.</p><p><strong>Madhugiri leads with highest cultivation</strong></p><p>Madhugiri leads with the highest cultivation area at 107 hectares, while Turuvekere records the lowest at just 0.64 hectares.</p><p>Madhugiri and Pavagada contribute a combined yield of over 3,900 metric tonnes—more than 55% of the district’s total production. These </p><p>taluks have dry climates, which are ideal for guava cultivation, especially for the Taiwan variety.</p><p>Farmers in the district are cultivating both native and Taiwan White guava varieties. The Taiwan variety is particularly well-suited for dry, hot climates and yields between seven to eight tonnes per acre. Farmers sell the fruit at Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kg, while it fetches as much as Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg in the market. Compared to native varieties, Taiwan guavas are larger and in higher demand, prompting more farmers to adopt the exotic variety.</p><p>The fruit is supplied to various parts of Karnataka—including Bengaluru and Mysuru—as well as other states like Maharashtra, with major markets in Mumbai and Pune.</p><p>Prashanth, a horticulture expert from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hirehalli, said, “Guava requires relatively low effort. It thrives well in conditions with sunlight, heat, and dry weather. In Tumakuru district, along with native varieties, cultivation of the ‘Taiwan’ variety has increased slightly. Due to good market demand, more farmers are shifting toward the Taiwan variety."</p><p><strong>Companies’ role</strong> </p><p>Private companies are also playing a role by supplying saplings and entering into buyback agreements with farmers. These companies procure the harvest directly from orchards after paying the pre-agreed price. This arrangement has helped farmers save on transportation costs and time, according to Horticulture Department officials.</p><p>With consistent demand, favourable pricing, and suitable climatic conditions, guava farming—particularly the Taiwan White variety—is becoming a profitable venture in Tumakuru district.</p>
<p>Tumakuru: Guava cultivation in Tumakuru district is expanding steadily, with annual market supply now exceeding 7,000 metric tonnes.</p><p>Farmers are increasingly turning to the high-demand ‘Taiwan White Guava’ variety, boosting both production and income.</p><p>According to data from the Horticulture Department, guava was grown on 184 hectares in 2018–19. By 2022–23, the cultivation area had nearly doubled to 367 hectares. The surge is largely attributed to the growing popularity and market demand for the Taiwan variety, which has proven to be high-yielding and profitable.</p><p>Five years ago, guava production in the district stood at around 3,000 metric tonnes per year. It has now more than doubled to 7,000 metric tonnes. Areas traditionally known for dry conditions—such as Pavagada, Madhugiri, and Sira taluks—are seeing an annual increase in guava cultivation.</p><p><strong>Madhugiri leads with highest cultivation</strong></p><p>Madhugiri leads with the highest cultivation area at 107 hectares, while Turuvekere records the lowest at just 0.64 hectares.</p><p>Madhugiri and Pavagada contribute a combined yield of over 3,900 metric tonnes—more than 55% of the district’s total production. These </p><p>taluks have dry climates, which are ideal for guava cultivation, especially for the Taiwan variety.</p><p>Farmers in the district are cultivating both native and Taiwan White guava varieties. The Taiwan variety is particularly well-suited for dry, hot climates and yields between seven to eight tonnes per acre. Farmers sell the fruit at Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kg, while it fetches as much as Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg in the market. Compared to native varieties, Taiwan guavas are larger and in higher demand, prompting more farmers to adopt the exotic variety.</p><p>The fruit is supplied to various parts of Karnataka—including Bengaluru and Mysuru—as well as other states like Maharashtra, with major markets in Mumbai and Pune.</p><p>Prashanth, a horticulture expert from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hirehalli, said, “Guava requires relatively low effort. It thrives well in conditions with sunlight, heat, and dry weather. In Tumakuru district, along with native varieties, cultivation of the ‘Taiwan’ variety has increased slightly. Due to good market demand, more farmers are shifting toward the Taiwan variety."</p><p><strong>Companies’ role</strong> </p><p>Private companies are also playing a role by supplying saplings and entering into buyback agreements with farmers. These companies procure the harvest directly from orchards after paying the pre-agreed price. This arrangement has helped farmers save on transportation costs and time, according to Horticulture Department officials.</p><p>With consistent demand, favourable pricing, and suitable climatic conditions, guava farming—particularly the Taiwan White variety—is becoming a profitable venture in Tumakuru district.</p>
