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Guava farmers in Pirojpur's Nesarabad upazila and neighboring Jhalakathi Sadar upazila are enjoying unprecedented prices this season, a stark contrast to previous years. This year's harvest has seen production fall to what growers describe as the lowest level in recent memory, driving prices to record highs.

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During the peak season in previous years, our orchards produced so many guavas that we sometimes failed to harvest everything, and ripe fruit was left to rot. This year the picture is completely different. There are far fewer fruits, and the shortage has kept prices exceptionally high.

Normally, guavas fetch around Tk 800 per maund at the season's start, dropping to Tk 400 or less during peak harvest. This year, however, prices have remained unusually high, with premium fruit selling for over Tk 1,000 per maund even during the peak harvest, which began about three weeks ago. Farmers report that orchards are yielding only about a third of their usual output.

Growers attribute this dramatic decline to several factors, including unfavorable weather conditions during the crucial flowering period and a worsening problem with pests and diseases. Arun Majumder, a farmer from Satodashkathi village, noted that in past years, orchards produced so abundantly that not all fruit could be harvested, with some left to rot. This year, the scarcity has reversed that situation, keeping prices exceptionally high.

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As farmers do not use pesticides to control these pests and diseases, the damage goes largely unchecked.

Md Nurun Nabi, a sub-assistant agriculture officer, confirmed the trend, noting that while farmers are earning well despite the shortfall, the season is likely to conclude earlier than usual. He identified anthracnose, a fungal disease causing black spots on the fruit, and infestations of beetles and fruit flies as major contributors to yield loss. The problem is exacerbated as many farmers avoid using pesticides, leading to unchecked damage.

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As a result, we can sell only about half of what we harvest.

This scarcity has also impacted the harvesting rhythm, with farmers now waiting longer between picking sessions. Despite the poor production, farmers express happiness due to the sustained high prices. The ripple effect is felt by traders as well, with local commission agents and wholesalers struggling to procure enough fruit to meet buyer demand, a complete reversal from previous market dynamics where growers often had to press traders to buy.

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This year we have to wait at least two days between harvests because there simply aren't enough fruits. Although production is poor, we're happy, because prices have stayed high throughout.