Karnataka

Plans for genotype jackfruit on cards

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Bangalore, May 23: The UAS with Department of Bio-Technology, New Delhi, is trying to produce a geno type jackfruit to increase its demand in the market.

Speaking at the Jackfruit Mela, on Thursday, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) researcher Shyamala said attempts were being made to produce a jackfruit with medium size pods that are right shade of dark yellow. She said: “We want to propagate such a geno-type that is high in demand in the market. Research will look into the fruit size, pulp colour, taste, aroma and yield to identify the best variety among 10-15 varieties of jackfruit in Karnataka which will be able to give produce throughout the year and not just in May and June.”

The jackfruit revolution that has turned this simple low maintenance crop into high yielding monocrop, brings in 5,000 tonne per season from Karnataka. “This ideal jackfruit is high in demand in the market and research is underway to identify the best variety to give produce through out the year and the potential earnings estimate of that fruit is Rs 2,000 crore,” according to Prof Ranganna.

The UAS in association with Tubagere Jackfruit Growers Association hosted the Jackfruit Mela at the Alumni Association Building of Veterinary College campus. The Mela involved direct selling of fruits by the growers.

Ninety five farmers from Farmers Cooperative Society at Tubagere in Doddaballapur Taluk,  are participating.

The Jackfruit Growers Association has expanded to incorporate 74 villages in Karnataka which have 3,500 trees, said Jackfruit Growers Association Secretary Ravikumar M G. This fruit is now likely to reach a larger section of consumers as processed fruit in the form of pulp, ice cream, papads, peda, cakes and biscuits.
About 25 such products will shortly be available in all stores. Ravikumar also said plans of entering commercial market are underway as they are searching for entrepreneurs. A handbook — Halasina Moulyavardhitha Utpannagalu — was released on the occasion.
The stalls had a brisk business and growers were able to sell a lot of fruits. The mela will continue for next two days ending at Lalbagh on May 25 along with mango mela.

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