Jackfruit, the state fruit of Kerala is known to have originated in western ghats of India. The largest tree borne fruit is loaded with nutritional benefits. Every part of the fruit and tree has health and economic value. The official fruit of Kerala is gaining popularity in world as ‘superfood’ meat alternative which put forth an immense opportunity Infront producers & exporters of Kerala. As per the statistical data of National Horticultural Board, in 2021-22 (Ist advance estimates), Kerala ranks second in Jackfruit production with a share of around 14.01% but the annual wastage of jackfruit in state accounts for 35 crores.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organised ‘Export promotion on Jack fruit & its value-added products’ in Ernakulam totap the export potential of fruit further and to strengthen the supply chain between producers and exporters to foray & expand the opportunities on 22nd July 2022. Mr. TV Subhash IAS, Director of Agriculture, Government of Kerala was the guest of honour of the event. Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary, APEDA gave a brief on processed food sector, plant-based meat products and supported in boosting exports of value-added products of jackfruit from Kerala. Mr. KK Pillai, Board member, APEDA, exporters and other officials from department of agriculture, Govt of Kerala addressed the participants. Mrs. Simi Unnikrishnan, AGM, Regional head, APEDA, Regional office Kochi gave a brief on the wide export potential of Jackfruit. Dr. Rincy K Abraham, Subject matter specialist fromICAR-KVK (CARD), Pathanamthitta gave a brief on ‘Advanced technologies on value addition in Jackfruit’. Farmers from major jackfruit producing districts like Idukki and Pathanamthitta took part in the event. Exporters from Kerala also participated in the event. A range of unique products like Jackfruit Biriyani, diabetes friendly jackfruit cookies, nutritional whole jackfruit powder, burger patties, jackfruit puttu powder, chapathi flour, Mixture, Jam, Squash, Pasta etc was exhibited in the event.

Jack fruit is becoming increasingly popular in mainstream and ethnic markets in many foreign countries. Coming to export scenario, other fresh fruits including Jack fruit was exported from India in 2021-22 worth 388.41 million US dollars. Among this Kerala accounts around 7.1% share worth 27.67 million US dollars. The major destinations of fresh fruits from India are Bangladesh, UAE, Iran, Nepal etc whereas the major destinations of fresh fruits from Kerala are Maldives, UAE, Qatar, Germany, USA etc.With the growing awareness of health and nutritional properties of the fruit, it is anticipated that the Jackfruit will definitely become the most sought-after fruit in the coming years. Kerala has immense potential to turn into a major jackfruit producing and exporting state of India.

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