There is a need for jackfruit growers to think about value-addition, according to an official of Krishi Vijnana Kendra, Mangalore.

Inaugurating a training programme on the uses of jackfruit here on Tuesday, Dr H. Hanumanthappa, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vijnana Kendra, Mangalore, said that growers should focus more on value-addition to jackfruit.

This will help them get more value to their commodity.

Value-added products

Giving an example of a woman from Shimoga region, he said she prepares many value-added products from jackfruit, and markets them. Value-addition will help prepare nearly 300 items from jackfruit.

He suggested that steps should be taken to preserve some of the well-known species of jackfruit.

Quoting an example of a tree in Bondel area of Mangalore, he said that the tree gives fruits during most part of the year. The departments concerned should look into preserving such species for the future.

Dr Hanumanthappa said that the Krishi Vijnana Kendra will organise a two-day jackfruit fair in Mangalore on June 23-24.

Experts in jackfruit cultivation and value-addition, farmers and officials from the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat will attend the two-day fair.

>vinayakaj@thehindu.co.in

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