State Fruit of Kerala - Jackfruit

Why in news?

Kerala state government is about to declare the jackfruit as the state’s official fruit.

What is the announcement about?

• Recently the state government of Kerala declared the state’s official Animal - Elephant, Bird - Great hornbill, Flower - Kanikonna, Fish - pearl spot or Karimeen its official fish.
• In this row the state has decided to announce Jackfruit has its state fruit, based on a proposal by the Agriculture Department.

What are characteristic features of Jackfruit tree?

• In India jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit known for its distinctive taste and aroma.
• With roots that extend to the moist sub-soil, the fruit is drought resistant, it withstands pests and is highly nutritious.
• Due to this jackfruit is being produced organically in a very natural way without using any chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
• A jackfruit tree can yield more than 150 fruits a year and lives for more than 100 years.
• Its leaves make good cattle-feed and the timber goes into the making of musical instruments.
• Compared to many other trees, timber of jackfruit it plays a great role in fighting greenhouse gases.
• The flesh can be made into curries or used to make chips, candy or jam and even ice-cream.
• When roasted, its seeds can be used as a medicine for indigestion.

What is the significance of this move?

• The government plans to promote the ‘Kerala jackfruit’ as a brand in markets across the world, highlighting its organic and nutritional value.
• The main objective of the government was to boost the production and sale of jackfruit and related products by way of branding.
• With the awarding of the 'state fruit' status, the demand for jackfruits and allied products are expected to go up and more people would foray into the cultivation of jackfruit trees.
• It is estimated that through the sale of jackfruit and allied products, the government can earn a revenue of Rs 15,000 crore by branding the fruit.

What are the initiatives of the government on Jackfruit?

• The government takes initiatives to distribute jackfruit tree sapling among locals to grow in their backyards as part of its plans to expand its cultivation.
• To tap the potential of the fruit further, a research centre at has also been set up under the Agriculture Department’s care in the Wayanad district.
• Apart from this, the government also conducts a yearly ‘jackfruit fest’ to popularise the fruit.

Source: Indian Express, Economic times