Guava, a fruit flourishing in the tropical and subtropical regions of India, boasts a hardy tree with prolific fruit-bearing capabilities across various soil types. Among the plethora of guava varieties, five stand out as extensively utilized and valued in the country’s guava industry: Allahabad Safeda, Sardar, Lalit, Shweta, and Allahabad Surkha.
Present Scenario
Guava, a sought-after fruit, experiences a surge in demand both domestically and internationally. India stands as one of the leading exporters, alongside countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand. Major guava-producing states include Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, with Maharashtra leading in both quantity and area of production.
Commercial and Enhanced Varieties
Allahabad Safeda and Sardar dominate India’s guava industry, renowned for their superior quality and high yield capacity. Lalit, an emerging variety, has seen a significant increase in production areas, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Major Guava Varieties in Detail
- Allahabad Safeda
– Renowned for its versatility, used for both table and processing purposes.
– Characterized by tall, upright-growing trees bearing numerous fruits with mild skin and white, seedless flesh, offering top-notch quality.
- Sardar
– Features lively, spreading trees yielding large, round fruits with primrose yellow skin and abundant, harder seeds compared to Allahabad Safeda.
- Lalit
– A high-yielding pink-fleshed variety developed by the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow.
– Saffron yellow fruits with a red tinge, firm pink flesh, and a balanced blend of sugar and acid, suitable for both table and processing purposes.
- Shweta
– A recent variety developed by the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, suitable for commercial cultivation. – Semi-dwarf trees yielding medium-sized spherical fruits with creamy white skin, red spots, and nearly-white flesh, offering an attractive appearance and high nutritional value.
- Allahabad Surkha
– Distinguished by its large size, pink color, and pulpy pink flesh, yielding up to 120 kg of fruits in the sixth year.
– Lively, dome-shaped trees produce sweet, flavorful fruits with few seeds, ideal for consumption.
These top guava varieties contribute significantly to India’s agricultural landscape, catering to diverse consumer preferences and market demands.
