'NHM should emphasise on jack fruit cultivation'

Speaking at the jackfruit mela organised jointly by Bangalore Agriculture University, Forest College and Ponnampet Agriculture Research Centre here on Friday, he said ''jack fruit is all set to enter global market. It is not enough if the government provides subsidy alone. Government should provide marketing facility.''

“There are varities of jackfruits available. We have a responsibility to see that the food source do not go to oblivion. Karnataka is the second largest grower of jack fruit in the country.”

Community based marketing is essential to market jackfruit. Vietnam, Philliphines and Malaysia have made remarkable progress in the growth of jack fruit. The commitment of the farmers and government assistance will surely take Indian farmers ahead of others in jack fruit cultivation, he said and added “scientists should join hands with the farmers to create a revolution.”

Jack fruit can become livelihood of the farmers. The value addition of jack fruit needs to be developed. There are varities of jack fruit which can be grown in Kodagu. Kodagu can also preserve jacl fruit for the next eight months, he added.

Kodagu Orange Growers Co-operative Society President C S Arun Machaiah said: “The society is all set to process jackfruit and provide international market. It is also planning to process tender jack fruit.”

Mudigere Agriculture Science Centre Scientist Dr Vijayalakshmi Kamareddy spoke on the progress of jack fruit in Chikmagalur district.  Ponnampet Forest College Dean Dr N A Prakash presided.  Dr M N Ramesh won first place for exhibiting the best variety of jack fruit. Rudrappa won the second place.