The University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot, will promote cultivation of jackfruit in north Karnataka region.
The nutrition-rich fruit, grown prominently in the central and coastal area of the State, is relatively less popular here.
“We wish to change the trend by increasing the cultivation of the fruit which has medicinal properties. No part of it goes waste,” D.L. Maheshwar, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said.
He said that while the fruit was being cultivated on 5,421 hectares (ha) of land in the State, it was grown on only 600 ha in the region. The university was planning to expand the area.
“With this objective, the university will distribute around 8,000 saplings among local farmers here,” Mr. Maheshwar said. The university recently organised a jackfruit mela to promote the fruit here.
Claiming that the fruit was best suited for black soil which was abundant in the region, he said that jackfruit did not require too much maintenance and could be grown on the boundaries of farms. Mr. Maheshwar said that the university would create a centre of excellence and rope in experts who would try to convince local farmers about the advantages of jackfruit.
“Besides direct consumption, dozens of byproducts could be made of this fruit which have high demand in the market. All we need is to educate farmers about the importance of cultivating the fruit,” he said.
Mr. Maheshwar said that with each tree bearing up to 40 tonnes of fruits, it could fetch around Rs. 25,000.
He said that the university had recommended to the government to include jackfruit in the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Board.
A centre of excellence will be set up and experts will be roped in to engage with farmers
