Mission to make jackfruit marketable

TURA: The College of Home Science in Tura organised a 10-day value addition programmed for jackfruit growers and local entrepreneurs in West Garo Hills district.
‘Value Addition of Jackfruit: Farm to Market’ provided hands-on training in preparation of various products from the fruit that was once considered a ‘poor man’s food’ because of its availability.
“Besides the training, sessions on topics like marketing strategies, book keeping and accounting, quality management and the latest schemes available with the DCIC, Tura, were also deliberated to the trainees,” said Assistant Professor Natasha R Marak at the Department of Food and Nutrition that organised the programmed from July 13-22.
Assistant Professor LD Hatai spoke on the various strategies to market the finished products. There were discussions on personal hygiene and the dos and don’ts in a food processing centre.
The dean of the college, Anurag Chaturvedi, expressed optimism that such a programme will play a positive role in creating successful entrepreneurs.
The Home Science College is currently in the process of setting up a state-of-the art food processing centre with the latest technology machinery on the campus. IPO official Biondi D Shira asked trainees to opt for subsidies under central schemes.
Jackfruit, often considered a ‘wonder’ fruit, is eaten as vegetable when tender. The mature fruit can be used to prepare chips, papad and when ripe, it can be used to prepare squash, jam and jelly. The rind of the fruit can also be used as fodder to feed animals. Seeds can also be used in making flour or for preparing curries. The fruit is rich in carotene, potassium and carbohydrates, moderately rich in ascorbic acid.