First guava processing plant in Rajasthan to improve farmers’ livelihood with value addition

A guava processing plant to be set up at Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan at a cost of ₹150 crore is expected to improve farmers’ livelihoods through value addition and agricultural innovations. The unit will also increase the demand for guava and its products in both domestic and foreign markets.

The announcement regarding the establishment of the processing plant was made at the first Guava Festival held at Sawai Madhopur on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Minister of State for Agriculture Kirodi Lal Meena attended the festival, which coincided with the Agricultural Technology Expo 2026.

Of the 14,000 hectares of guava gardens in Rajasthan, 11,000 hectares are in Sawai Madhopur district alone. Mr. Meena said guava farmers in the State earn ₹600 crore to ₹700 crore annually from the fruit, while the government aims to increase their income to around ₹1,600 crore annually.

Need of the hour

“The intensively grown guava processing unit here is the need of the hour. Farmers who have to travel to distant places like Delhi and Vadodara to sell their produce will find lucrative prices here too,” said Mr. Meena. He added that the processing plant will also benefit farmers in nearby areas of eastern Rajasthan.

Mr. Birla said that promotion of agricultural and horticultural products will help increase farmers’ income and strengthen the rural economy. “Guava is an affordable fruit. It is highly nutritious and has tremendous market potential. The festival will create awareness about improved guava varieties and modern farming techniques and processing methods,” he said.

While various guava-based products such as pickles, juice, pulp and dessert were exhibited at the festival, farmers and entrepreneurs were informed about new opportunities.

Both Mr. Birla and Mr. Meena visited the exhibition stands and interacted with farmers and scientists and reviewed new agricultural technologies. With the participation of over 10,000 farmers and the display of over 30 varieties of guava, the festival is expected to emerge as a landmark initiative to promote guava cultivation and agro-processing.