Fragrance of jack everywhere...

The fragrance of the jackfruit was emanating from every corner, at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, which hosted Jackfruit mela 2012 on Saturday.

Though it is a popular fruit in the region in the months of April to July, not many people in the region know the commercial value of the fruit.

Though many love to have it in the beginning of the season, the villagers develop dislike towards it over a period of time.

However, the Jackfruit Mela held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra proved to be an eye opener to its commercial value.

Though people love the fruit for its taste, they hate to peel it because of its gum. To help such people, there was display of gumless fruit and its saplings.

Traditionally, jackfruit papads have been prepared in villages in the region, devoid of marketing strategies. However, now people have started demanding jackfruit papads, said a woman who was seen selling the delicacies made of jackfruit.

Jackfruit wine from University of Horticulture Science, Bagalkote, was another centre of attraction.

Sunitha R Shenoy from Kuthethoor has come out with jackfruit jam, tender jackfruit pickle, halwa and chips. “If jackfruit halwa is prepared properly, then it can be kept for two years.

Tender jack pickle can also be kept for long time.”