Mysuru: Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation (KAPPEC) managing director C N Shivaprakash on Saturday emphasized the need to promote jackfruit, a fruit rich in medicinal properties, over imported fruits. He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day jackfruit and mango festival organized by Sahaja Samrudha, Desi Seed Producer Company, and the department of horticulture-Kisan Mall at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry on Vinoba Road in Mysuru.
Jackfruit as a Climate-Resilient Crop
Shivaprakash described jackfruit as a wish-fulfilling tree for farmers in dryland regions, noting its ability to withstand climate change and erratic rainfall. He highlighted that a wide range of value-added products can be prepared from jackfruit, enabling farmers to earn better income through value addition activities. KAPPEC will provide full support for value addition and market linkages to promote jackfruit, he assured.
Cultural and Nutritional Significance
Joint director of the department of Kannada and culture VN Mallikarjunaswamy appealed to the public to popularise jackfruit consumption, as the fruit is deeply connected to local food culture. Seed conservator Syed Ghanikhan from Kirugavalu, who has preserved mango varieties for over 200 years, mentioned preserving more than a hundred mango varieties that are nearly 300 years old, including varieties with sweet lime fragrance, apple-shaped mangoes, cumin-flavored mangoes, and non-sweet mangoes.
ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra head BN Gnanesh stated that jackfruit and its seeds are rich in vitamins, fiber, phytochemicals, proteins, minerals, and several other nutrients. The festival aims to create awareness about the benefits of jackfruit and mangoes, encouraging their cultivation and consumption.
