There is a need for jackfruit growers to think about value-addition, according to an official of Krishi Vijnana Kendra, Mangalore.
Inaugurating a training programme on uses of jackfruits here on Tuesday, Dr H. Hanumanthappa, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vijnana Kendra, Mangalore, said that growers should focus more on value-addition to jackfruit. This will help them get more value to their commodity.
Giving the example of a woman from Shimoga region, he said she prepares many value-added products from jackfruit, and markets them. Value addition will help in preparing nearly 300 items from jackfruit, Dr Hanumanthappa said.
The National Horticulture Mission also gives importance for jackfruit cultivation, he said.
Dr Hanumanthappa suggested that steps should be taken to preserve some of the well-known species of jackfruit.
Quoting an example of a tree in Bondel area of Mangalore, he said it gives fruits during most part of the year.
The departments concerned should look into preserving such species for future, he said.
Nearly 30 interested people had registered for the one-day training programme on jackfruit.
He said that the training programme provided them practical demonstrations on value-additions.
Mr Dinesh Shenoy from the Krishi Vijana Kendra, Mangalore, gave details about the training programme to the participants.
Dr Hanumanthappa said that the Krishi Vijnana Kendra, Mangalore, will organise a two-day jackfruit fair on June 23-24.
Experts in jackfruit cultivation and value-addition, farmers and officials from the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat will attend the two-day fair, he added.