The Krishi Vigyan Kendra attached to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research at Thelliyoor near Thiruvalla is all set to launch five ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat jackfruit products from its State-sponsored primary processing hub.
The State Department of Agriculture has sanctioned Rs 52.55 lakh for setting up the primary processing hub at the ICAR-KVK campus at Thelliyoor.
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has standardised five primary processed jackfruit products, making use of available, cost-effective, dehydration technologies, according to C.P. Robert, KVK programme co-ordinator, and Shana Harshan, subject matter specialist.
Dr Robert said the primary processing hub has been established for jackfruit dehydration where KVK-trained entrepreneurs could join as incubates and do test trials and test marketing of the their products.
The five primary processed jackfruit products standardised by the KVK are dehydrated tender jack, dehydrated raw jack, dehydrated jack seed, dehydrated ripe bulbs and jackfruit preserve or bar.
Ms Shana Harshan told The Hindu that the technology products developed from jackfruit under this project has been brought into two registered brand names – ‘Eudora12’ and ‘Pollux7’ - which will be a torch-bearer for many upcoming entrepreneurs who are interested in commercialisation of jackfruit products.
The dehydrated raw tender jack, raw jack, and jack seed coming under ‘Eudora12’ will have a shelf life of nine to 12 months while the dehydrated ripe bulbs and jackfruit preserve will have a shelf life of five to seven months.
Ms. Shana said the processes involved in dehydration of tender and raw jack will give an optimum quality product with good rehydration properties and it never requires use of any artificial food additives or preservatives. Ripe bulbs or chew can be an excellent dry fruit for the meal table. The preserve will help keep ripe fruit as such in sugar syrup or honey in a cost-effective manner. It was observed that the physical, chemical and nutrient properties of all products are superior, she said.
Dr Robert said KVK was particular in making use of indigenous technologies for standardisation of jackfruit which is available in plenty in rural Kerala and to make it a staple food.
The commissioning of the jackfruit processing hub and launching of ‘Eudora12’ and ‘Pollux7’ packed in attractive polyester laminated pouches will be held in July.
