GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MUST PROMOTE JACKFRUIT AS A VALU ADDED PRODUCT

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MUST PROMOTE JACKFRUIT AS A VALU ADDED PRODUCT

Jack fruit tree is native to the rain forest of the western ghats. More than half of the fruits produced in the kerala state go waste.It is the biggest tree-borne fruit in the world. Jack fruit preparations were in the past an inevitable seasonal dish in kerala cuisine. But now a days kerala forgetting the jackfruit. In fact a good part of the fruit that are harvested are exported to neighbouring states sold for up to Rs3/- in the market.
Consumption in kerala has considirably dropped and the fruit is not even seen in public markets in kerala.The government agencies and research institutions were practically doing nothing to promote jackfruit in the market either as a fruit or as a value –added product.
The government agencies and research centres must promote jack fruit as value added product. It contributes the food security programmes of the government. It will also give addditional income to jack fruit growers and farmers.
The Kerala Kavya Kala Sahithy congratulate the “Uravu”- a wayanad based non governmental organisation for their wonder ful contributions to promote consumption of jackfruit in the state. The orgnisation even conducgts an annual jackfruit festiveal programme at Kalpettaon very yeaar. The Association contributes to the food security programmes of the government. The government must extend all help to the’ Uravu’

Prof.John Kurakar
johnkurakar@yahoo.com