Guava growers in Nesarabad, Pirojpur, say they are losing crores of taka worth of produce each year because there is no cold storage facility. The floating guava market, located near the canal confluence along the Nesarabad and Jhalakathi border, is busy during the monsoon season, particularly from July to September, drawing domestic and foreign visitors. Farmers say low prices, a lack of business-friendly conditions and the halt in exports have reduced their profits.

Around 4,000 guava growers operate in nearly 24 villages across areas bordering Nesarabad, Banaripara and Jhalakathi. According to the Barishal divisional agriculture office, 3,220 guava orchards cover 878 hectares in 23 villages of three upazilas, with about 16,000 workers involved from orchard care to fruit sales. Growers describe guava cultivation as their main source of income but say maintenance costs are high and have sought bank loans on easy terms.

Farmer Binoy Haldar said several crores of taka worth of guavas spoil annually without cold storage. Exports stopped in 2020 amid storage constraints, alleged non-cooperation from the agriculture department, the effects of Covid-19 and other challenges. Upazila agriculture officer Mahafuzur Rahman said he would inform senior officials about constructing a government cold storage facility.