In an effort to explore the full potential of jackfruit, which still remains under-exploited as a food crop in the country, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) attached to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed a unique technology, enabling the common man to produce whole jackfruit powder.
C.P. Robert, senior scientist and head of the KVK centre run by the Christian Agency for Rural Development (CARD) at Thelliyoor near Thiruvalla, told The Hindu that popularisation of the new technology, which itself was a simple and smart process, would ensure no wastage of jackfruit in Kerala.
“We have developed a smart way of tapping the potential of jackfruit which could make every Kerala household a hub for processing jackfruit. Our attempt is to ensure that no jackfruit is wasted in the State so that an estimated loss of this indigenous fruit to the tune of Rs.15,000 crore could be added to the State’s coffers, besides enriching the health of every rural household,” Dr. Robert said.
Simple tech
The KVK has made the technology simple for common man.
The whole jackfruit powder could be used as a raw material for developing health drinks and food products for patients, children and elderly people.
The process of making jackfruit powder involved dehydration of the raw jack, after removing its rind portion, and no artificial food additives or preservatives were used in the process, said Rincy K. Abraham, subject matter specialist, KVK.
