From Our Correspondent
TURA, June 14: Curtain came on a four-day hands-on training programme on jackfruit processing, organised by the Techno Incubation Centre (TIC) for Jackfruit Processing at the College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Tura.
Organised from June 10 to 13, the training brought together officers from the Department of Horticulture, officials from ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), and local entrepreneurs to enhance their capacity in jackfruit value addition.
Sponsored by the Directorate of Food Processing, the programme aimed to address post-harvest wastage by promoting the effective use of jackfruit through value-added products.
Participants were trained in food safety standards, hygiene practices and marketing strategies, followed by practical sessions on preparing a variety of products, including ready-to-cook tender jackfruit, papad, chips, mixture, squash, jackfruit seed and bulb flour and pickle.
The valedictory function was attended by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal as the chief guest.
In his address, he praised the college and TIC for addressing local agricultural challenges through scientific and community-driven solutions. He noted that jackfruit, despite being abundant in the region, remains underutilised and holds the potential to significantly improve rural livelihoods.
The DC urged participants to become change agents by spreading the knowledge and skills gained during the training to local farmers and entrepreneurs. He also assured continued support from the district administration to further such developmental efforts.
Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean of the college, highlighted Meghalaya’s untapped jackfruit potential, revealing that the state has an estimated 4 to 5 lakh jackfruit trees, particularly in Garo Hills.
However, due to inadequate processing facilities and limited market access, approximately 10.87 lakh metric tonnes of jackfruit, worth around Rs 434 crore, is wasted every season across the state. She stressed the need for post-harvest management and value addition to turn this loss into an opportunity for economic growth.
This initiative is part of Mission Jackfruit, which seeks to unlock the economic potential of jackfruit, reduce food wastage, and foster rural entrepreneurship through skill development, scientific support, and community engagement. The training has laid the groundwork for a sustainable, jackfruit-based agro-economy in the region.