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Guava Farmers in South Asia Battle Climate Change Threats
20 Oct
Summary
- Guava farmers in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan face unprecedented weather changes
- Excessive heat and erratic rainfall patterns disrupt flowering and fruiting cycles
- Guava production declines by up to 60% in some regions due to climate change impacts
As of October 2025, guava farmers in South Asia are facing an unprecedented challenge posed by the impacts of climate change. In Bangladesh, veteran farmer Haralal Halder has experienced a drastic shift in weather patterns over the past couple of years, with the flowering season in April-May now marked by soaring temperatures and drought-like conditions. This has led to the premature abscission, or shedding, of one-third of the blossoms in his guava orchard.
Similar weather-related issues have been reported by guava farmers in India and Pakistan, where changing rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have disrupted the flowering and fruiting cycles of the crop. A 2023 study in India's Uttar Pradesh state found that these climatic factors have significantly impacted the livelihoods of guava growers, leading to reduced fruit quality and yields.
Experts warn that the guava industry across South Asia is under threat, with production declining by up to 60% in some regions due to the cascading effects of climate change. Horticulture specialists in Bangladesh's Barisal division, once renowned for its popular local guava varieties, have observed a concerning trend of farmers shifting away from the crop to more resilient alternatives like hog plum and banana.
To address these challenges, researchers suggest that South Asian countries must prioritize the development of climate-resilient guava varieties, adopt protected cultivation technologies, and implement improved crop management practices to ensure the sustainability of this important tropical fruit industry.
