1. INTRODUCTION

Food security has become one of the survival issues of mankind. Loss of natural food resources is a major factor in this. once scored high in food security, thanks to the abundance of native food crops of cereals, fruits, tubers and vegetables. Ubiquitous jackfruit played a major role in ensuring vital food, particularly for the vulnerable sections. With the ruin of ecology and neglect of natural resources, the situation has undergone a radical change for the worse, Keralites having to increasingly depend on other states for their food requirements. The prime task of good governance, particularly local governance, is promoting food security at the local level. Planners and law makers are giving serious thought to formulating food security policies and laws. This was the context in which the National Jackfruit Fest, 2011, with the motto 'jackfruit key to local food security' was conducted during 4-6 June at Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram. The fest, first of its kind in , was attended by more than 300,000 people. In addition to the residents of Thiruvananthapuram, the participants included delegates from different states of India and abroad. 2. ORGANIZERS, PARTNERS AND CO ORGANIZERS

A. Organizers

1. Santhigram 2. State Horticulture Mission - Kerala 3. Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram 4. Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat 5. Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) 6. SAHAYI- Centre For Collective Learning And Action 7. Mitraniketan, Vellanad 8. URAVU, Ruchie Karshaka Koottayma, Thrikkaipetta, Wayanad

B. Partners

1. NABARD, Kerala Region 2. National Horticultural Board 3. Kerala State Council for Science Technology & Environment (KSCSTE) 4. KERAFED 5. Kerala Agricultural University 6. Kerala State Biodiversity Board 7. Information & Public Relations Department, GoK 8. Functional Vocational Training And Research Society (FVTRS), Bangalore 9. National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune 10. Centre For Environment & Development (CED), Thiruvananthapuram 11. India Developmental Gateway (InDG), Hyderabad 12. Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), Kerala

C. Co - Organisers

1. Adike Patrike Farm Magazine, Puttur, Karnataka 2. College of Agriculture, Vellayani 3. CARD - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kolabhagam P.O, Thiruvalla 4. Kerala Gram Panchayat Association (KGPA), 5. Soil Survey, Dept. of Agriculture Govt. of Kerala 6. Vegetable & Fruits Promotion Council, Kerala (VFPCK) 7. Kerala Voluntary Agencies League (KAVAL) 8. Indian Naturopathy & Yoga Graduate Medical Association (INYGMA) 9. THANAL, Thiruvananthapuram 10. Vikas Adhyayan Kendra (VAK), Mumbai 11. Light & Shade Association Of Fine Arts Photographers 12. Farm Journalist Forum 13. Indian Agricultural Association 14. Association of Agriculture Officers, Kerala 3. INAUGURATION

The fest was inaugurated by Prof. crop, which has been neglected in the wake K.V.Thomas, Hon. Minster of State for of modernization. Agriculture, Government of India in a function presided over by Sri K. Muraleedharan, M.L.A. Dr. K.Prathapan, Prof. K.V.Thomas, in his inaugural address, Director, State Horticulure Mission delivered deplored that while possessing such the welcome address. Sri Ajith Venniyoor, wonderful food and vegetable resources as Vice President, CISSA and Coordinator, Media the Jackfruit, Kerala is dependent on Committee in his introductory remarks, pesticide-ridden products from the briefly recalled the context and objectives of neighboring states for its need for fresh the Fest. vegetables and fruits. He congratulated the organizers and sponsors of the Fest and Delivering his presidential address, Sri expressed the hope that this first ever K.Muraleedharan dwelt on the jackfruit's initiative in India by the Kerala NGO fraternity intimate link with Keralaites and stressed the will be followed by a grand National Fest in need for organized efforts at promoting the Delhi. Sri.K.P. Mohanan, Hon. Minister for our goals of rural development. He also mooted Agriculture, Government of Kerala, who the idea of constituting a State Council for the inaugurated the Exhibition and food festival, in promotion of Jackfruit and its products. his brief felicitation address, congratulated the organizers for conducting the Fest which The other distinguished guests who spoke on has been a long-standing felt need of the state. the occasion, included Sri G. Happy Kumar, He also promised every form of support for the Deputy Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram campaign to promote and propagate the Corporation, Sri. Rufus Daniel, Vice-President, cultivation, processing and distribution of this District Panchayat, Thiruvanathapuram, Sri. wonderful fruit, which has staved off famine Palayam Rajan, Chairman, Welfare Standing from Kerala homes, in the not too distant past. Committee, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Sri. Johnson Joseph, UDF leader,Thiruvananth Sri K.C. Shashidhar, Chief General Manager, apuram Corporation, Smt.Leelamma Issac, NABARD, who inaugurated the Skill training in Councillor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Value Added Products from Jackfruit, was Sri R.K.Sundaram, Chairman, Santhigram. Sri. eloquent in praising this initiative of the NGO L. Pankajakshan, Director, Santhigram and community in the state, supported by the General Convener of the Fest, proposed the government departments and agencies and vote of thanks. spelt out the policy of NABARD in promoting such ventures, which go a long way in achieving

4. RELEASE OF BOOKS

The inauguration function also witnessed the release of 3 books related to jackfruit. The books are:

1.Jackfruit Recipes: Soups to Desserts (English), Compiled & Edited by Dr.Beela G.K; Dr. K. Prathapan and Dr. C.K. Peethambaran

2. Chakka Vibhavangal (), Compiled & Edited by Dr.Beela G.K; Dr. K. Prathapan and Aneetha B.Shaji

1.Forgotten Kalpavriksha (English & Malayalam) by Shree Padre 5.NATIONAL WORKSHOP

The National Workshop with the main theme presentations. There were 13 presentations Jackfruit: Key to Local Food Security was one and one panel discussion. In each session the of the important activities of the Fest. the presentations were followed by discussions. objectives of the workshop included: The workshop was attended by 227 delegates from different States. To help the participants enhance their understanding on the history and current 5.1. Introductory Session status of the production and use of Jackfruit at the international, national and local The introductory session was chaired by levels, with specific focus on its importance Dr.K.Prathapan, Mission Director,Kerala State for local food security. Horticulture Mission. Sri G. Placid, Director, Sahayi and Coordinator of the workshop, in To make the participants aware of the his welcome speech, explained the context of aspects related to biodiversity, nutritional the National Fest, with special reference to and medicinal values and the indigenous the National Food Security Act that is going to knowledge and practices available in the be introduced in the Parliament shortly. He production, processing, marketing, etc. of also explained the objectives and design of jack fruit. the workshop.

To convince the participants of the Sri K. Jayakumar IAS, Additional Chief scope of producing value added products and Secretary and Agriculture Production bye products from Jackfruit Commissioner, Govt. of Kerala, delivered the keynote address. He termed this first ever To sensitize and motivate the National Fest a land mark in the nation's participants for promoting the production struggle for food security. It also denotes the and use of Jackfruit as a major source of local beginning of a new awareness among the food. people of Kerala and a definite step for reclaiming our most valuable food resource. The workshop started with an introductory Food security is built into nature's rhythm and session and was followed by thematic the present crisis is the result of man's tampering with it, he pointed out. This when our ancestors first developed priceless boon of Mother Nature provides not agriculture. Historical records mention that only physical food, but also food for thought 29 varieties of Jackfruit were brought to and spirit. The Jackfruit is a 'philosophical Rome from India as early as 580 B.C. Roman riddle' and an 'objective correlative' of the historian Pliny the elder mentions that it was puzzle of life, said Sri Jayakumar. This largest brought from “where the Indian sages and of fruits, with sharp cones and hard rind on philosophers ordinarily live”. This largest of the outside is forbidding and challenging. But fruits is found in all tropical countries, its core is full of softness and sweetness. particularly in India, Thailand, Philippines, Same is true of life, he said. Sri Jayakumar Hawaii, Africa. It is also cultivated in ended his address by congratulating the countries, such as China, Japan, America, organizers and sponsors of the programme. Australia. Jackfruit is a tree of multiple uses, including food, medicine, fodder, timber.The Distinguished guests present on the dais, fruit is highly nutritious and has a wide array including Sri. R.K.Sundaram, noted Gandhian of medicinal properties. The number of activist and Chairman, Santhigram, Sri. products that can be made from Jackfruit Nicholas, FVTRS representative, spoke runs into thousands. Ken Love ended his felicitating the Fest. Dr. Mary Ukkuru, Prof. presentation by making a fervent appeal to Department of Home Science, College of the participants to join hands in the mission Agriculture, Vellayani, proposed the vote of for promoting this amazing fruit. A video film thanks. featuring cultivation and marketing of “garden giants” in Hawaii was also shown and 5.2. Problems and Prospects of Jackfruit explained by him.

The thematic sessions started with the Shree Padre, renowned environmental session on Problems and Prospects of activist and Editor,Adike Patrike, presented a Jackfruit – An overview. The session was paper on 'Problems and Prospects of chaired by Dr. Sverup John, Dean, College of Jackfruit- National and Local Scenario, with Agriculture, Vellayani. The first paper Special Reference to Food Security'. For the presented by Mr. Ken Love, President, people of Srilanka the Jackfruit tree is 'rice Tropical Fruit Growers Association, Hawaii, tree' and 'uncle'. Jackfruit has four stages of was on 'Problems and Prospects of Jackfruit- maturity: tender, slightly grown, unripe and an Overview'. Tracing the history of Jackfruit ripe. In the earlier three stages, it is a very cultivation, he said that jackfruit started good vegetable. It can be converted into being cultivated may be 12,000 years ago, hundreds of value-added products, most of them for day-to-day use and a considerable a number of suggestions: number of them with months-long shell life. Despite its tremendous food value, we are Setting up a Jackfruit Mission in the wasting the Jackfruit in a big way, he State lamented. According to one 'guesstimate', we Developing gene pool at taluk level are allowing Rs.215 Crore worth of Jackfruit with farmer participation to rot. This is on the assumption that only 50% is wasted and each fruit costs only Rs.3. There Research emphasizing standa- is no organized marketing or steady supply rdization of minimal processing and chain for Jackfruit. Harvesting and processing technologies be developed to transportation from interior villages poses produce ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat problems. The fruits are in high demand in the Jackfruit. cities. There are also buyers for value-added products. The traditional products of jack JF has to be taken out of the 'Minor pappad, jack chips, jack poli, jack jam, jack Fruit' list and brought under the Focus Area of squash, jack leather etc. have good market. NFM and NHB.

According to an estimate Kerala exports Top priority should be given to about 500 MTs of Jackfruit, valued at Rs.6.75 creating farmer-friendly supply chain and Crore. An equal quantity is sold in the State, making JF available for ready use and fetching Rs.4.5 Crore. Karnataka produces consumer-friendly. about 1000 MTs of chips earning about Rs. 12 Crore. Though we are only second in Jackfruit “Status addition” is to be given production in the world, we are pathetically combined with value addition to increase slow in commercializing this wonder fruit. We accessibility. don't have more than a dozen branded or company products of Jackfruit. A wide variety 5.3. Bio-diversity and Production of of products, numbering more than 300, are Jackfruit in India and Kerala made by a house-wife in Karnataka. The next session was on 'Bio-diversity and According to the experience of CARD, Krishi production of Jackfruit in India with special Vigjan Kendra at Pathanamthitta, a 10-kg reference to Kerala'. The session was chaired Jackfruit, by value addition, can fetch Rs. by Dr.Kumaran, Director,Research (Rtd) KAU. 600. The first presentation was by Dr. Rema Menon, Banana Research Station, Kannara, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Trissur, on 'Bio-diversity of Jackfruit'. The Indonesia have gone miles beyond us in Jackfruit, botanically referred to as Jackfruit value-addition. Vinami, leading Atrocarpus Hetereophyllus Lam, belongs to fruit Chips Company of Vietnam, owns about the family Moraceae, which includes 10,000 hectares of Jackfruit mono crop. It seems to be the world leader in vacuum-fried fruit chips. Vinami is exporting this product to Europe, Japan and about a dozen other countries.

Our agricultural universities and research organizations claim that they have developed scores of value-added products from Jackfruit. But unfortunately, no commercial product has been brought out till date.

Shree Padre ended his presentation by making mulberry and figs. The genus atrocarpus preparations can be made out of it. In Panruti contains about 50 species, mostly native to jackfruit is available round the year. Panruti South-East Asia and 15 of them produce Jackfruits are large and fetch high price. One edible starchy fruits. of the Jackfruits weighed 81 kgs. Panruti farmers pin their hopes more on jackfruit tree The Jackfruit is indigenous to the rain forests timber than its fruits. Panruti is famous for of the Western Ghats and is cultivated jack wood and making of different musical throughout the tropical lowlands in South and instruments from jack wood. Dr.Haridoss also South-East Asia, parts of Central and Eastern said that there is a practice of spraying Africa and Brazil. Jackfruit is adapted to pesticides to Jackfruit. humid tropical and near tropical climates. In India it has wide distribution in Assam, 5.4. Nutritional and Health Prospects of Tripura, Bihar, Uttarpradesh, the foot hills of Jackfruit: Avenues for Processing the Himalayas and South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Dr.Mary Ukkuru, Prof. Dept. of Home Science, English name 'Jackfruit' comes from the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, made a Portugese 'jaca', derived from Malayalam presentation on the nutritional and health 'chakka'. Jackfruit bulbs are of two varieties: prospects of jack fruit. The fruit is a rich firm flesh and soft flesh, termed 'varikka' and source of major nutrients, including 'koozha', respectively in Malayalam. She carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals. further stressed the need for identifying elite Jackfruit is also a valuable source of trees with good agronomic and economic phytonutrients and antioxidants. It contains traits for commercial exploitation. some anti-nutritional factors, which can be neutralized by simple methods. Jack fruit is Dr.Haridoss, Asst. Director,Agriculture and JF known for its medicinal properties, such as farmer, Panruti, Tamilnadu, started his strengthening of immune system exhibit presentation with the statement that 4 June anticancer, anti ulcer and antihypertensive 2011 is a Red-Letter Day for Kerala. Panruti, a action. Jackfruit lectins (JFL) possess diverse coastal taluk in Tamilnadu, is famed for its biological properties including protection jackfruit cultivation. Panruti has 1000 against HIV/AIDS. She also dealt at length on hectares of jackfruit tree orchards, most of it varieties of preparations and recipes, mono-culture orchards from 1 to 20 acres. including preserved jackfruit bulbs, ready to One farmer with 7 acres of Jackfruit tree serve jackfruit beverages, jackfruit nectar, made a net income of Rs. 500,000. He directly clarified juice, jackfruit preserve, jackfruit marketed the fruits to Chennai. However, leather, jackfruit wine, jackfruit vinegar, most farmers sell their produce through canned jackfruit products, dehydrated middlemen. Tender Jackfruits, after jackfruit bulbs, candied jackfruit, thinning, are prepaid Rs.50-80 each. An ideal dehydrated jack fruit flakes, jack fruit pickle, one acre orchard with 50 trees of 15 years age jack fruit pappad, jack fruit based sweets and fetches Rs.60,000. Fruit is not allowed to fall jack fruit jelly. to the ground. Harvesting is done with the help of rope. A unique practice peculiar to 5.5. Value added products of Jackfruit – Panruti is thinning. This may be the only place Traditional Vs Modern where thinning is practiced in Jackfruit cultivation. This leaves one healthy female The session was chaired by Dr. K. Vasantha catkin (tender fruit) per penducle. The others Kumar, Professor and Head, Department of in the penducle are removed. Thinning Processing Technology, College of ensures uniform shape, size and quality. It Agriculture, Vellayani. also leads to bigger size and avoids fruit borer infestation. It is a pity that the thinned out The first sharing was on GRAMA's experiences tender fruit is wasted. In fact, many culinary in Jackfruit value additions. Sri. Joseph Lukose, President, GRAMA, explained the slices are convenient for consumers and various activities undertaken by the appropriate post-harvest technology for shell organisation which is functioning as a Self life extension may facilitate its Help Group in Bharananganam, in Kottayam transportation from production site to District. He suggested the following actions remote locations, including export. Since the for popularizing Jackfruit: edible portion in the form of fresh bulbs, after pitting, is approximately 30-35% of the Community processing of Jackfruit whole fruit and after osmotic dehydration should be done at the production site itself. there will be further one third reduction in weight as compared to fresh bulbs, there will Market linkage should be developed be very high reduction in transportation and for Jackfruit products at National and packaging costs. With a view to keeping the International levels. initial wholesomeness in the finished products, innovative techniques are used in Social cohesion and synergy are to be dehydration. Osmotic dehydration of fruits is induced among farmers and groups who are done in a concentrated sugar solution or syrup involved in making value added products. and further dehydration is ensured using air drying, vacuum drying or freeze drying Cluster marketing is to be techniques. Osmotic dehydration technique popularized. is useful in quality improvement in terms of The next presentation was made by Sri. Rincy color, flavor, texture, product stability and Abraham, CARD KVK, Pathanamthitta. He retention of nutrients during storage and described the various activities undertaken microbial stability. Fresh fruits with proper by CARD KVK, for the development of “Agro ripeness and free from transportation processing Hub” with FPO license and Agro injuries, bruises, insect damage and disease product display Centre. He also narrated the are selected for making nutritious following major issues in Jackfruit processing osmotically dehydrated slices. Jackfruits are sector: opened by manually cutting it along the axis, using sharp edged stainless steel knife and Absence/ inaccessibility of standard bulbs are removed from the rind. The fleshly post harvest handling, processing and pericarp of the bulbs is deseeded and the firm preservation technologies; texture bulbs are then cut into suitable length-wise pieces. Sugar syrup with added Absence of quality production and additives and preservatives is prepared. The packing technologies; prepared slices are dipped in the sugar syrup for required duration (20-24 hrs). During the Unorganized marketing; and process of osmosis water flows out of the fruit Inaccessibility of technologies by rural pieces to the syrup and a fraction of the women. solute moves into the fruit slices. At the end of the osmotic process the He further suggested some remedial fruit slices are taken out of the measures for improving the system, such as osmotic solution and are rinsed value addition of fresh fruits, value addition quickly with water in order to through primary processing and value remove the sugar coating addition by production of ready-to-eat adhering to the surface of the products. slices. The osmosed slices are spread on stainless steel trays Another Presentation was made by Dr. and dried in R.B.Tiwari, Sr. Scientist, IIHR on the cabinet technology of osmotic dehydration of drier at 50- Jackfruit. Osmotically dehydrated Jackfruit 55 degree Celsius to a moisture content of 15%. The pouches and stored for a period of 6 months. osmo-air dried slices are packed in polythene Apart from this formula of malted health mix, bags and sealed with sealing machine. The we can also prepare spiced health drink mix, shell life of the slices is one year under adding green gram to the recipe. Jackfruit ambient conditions. Osmotic dehydration has seed flour-based biscuits are delicious. several advantages, including quality Laddus also can be made from the seed flour. improvement, better color and flavor, higher A number of useful items, including pectin, nutrition, reduced bulk and longer shell life. starch and fiber can be extracted from Jackfruit waste. Sri. Daniel from URAVU shared his organization's experience in promoting jack The next paper was on bye-products of fruit cultivation and jack fruit festivals and Jackfruit- Cattle Feed by Dr. N. Sudhodanan, emphasized the need for forming food Asst. Director, Animal Husbandry clusters and developing network system for Department, Palakkad, Kerala, He explained production, processing and marketing. different varieties of cattle feed which can be Further he pointed out that action is to be produced from jackfruit such as jackfruit initiated from children, so as to develop a silage, jackfruit, vaikkol / pellet etc. Cattle healthy society in future. feed from “Chavini” and jackseed found ideal for goats and cow. It can replace corn from 5.6 Diversification of Jackfruit cattle feed. The precaution is to increase the quantity of the feed only gradually, normally The next session was on Diversification of in 10 days time to prevent fermentation. He Jackfruit. The session was chaired by Dr. R. also narrated the evidence of changes Prakash, Prof. and Head, Department of reported from diary farmers when jackfruit Agriculture Extension, Vellayani. In his feeds used as cattle feed such as: introductory remarks he underlined the relevance of the topic. 30 percent increase in milk yield.

The first presentation in this session was Milk fever due to calcium deficiency is made by Dr. Shruti Pandey, Scientist, Dept. of not visible in cattle Grain Science and Technology, CFTRI, Mysore, on 'Value-addition of Jackfruit Seed and Magnesium telany and ketosis not Product Recovery from Jackfruit Waste'. visible Jackfruit is a rich source of carbohydrates. It also contains protein, calcium, iron, Increase in smell and taste potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. Two types of products were studied: health drink High in antioxidants and karotine and bakery/confectionary products. Flour is pigments, so ideal during post antibiotic prepared out of Jackfruit seeds. The health stage. drink is made from a mixture of Jackfruit seed flour (35%) defatted soya flour (30%), wheat Reduced the cost of feed to the tune malt (10%), whole milk powder, (10%) and of 40-50 percent. Glucon D (5%). The mix is packed in laminated This presentation was followed by the Traditional Knowledge: He said that People's presentation of Dr. Shyamalamma, Associate Bio-diversity Registers (PBRs) are being Professor,Dept. of Biotechnology, UAS, GKVK, prepared in the State at Grama Panchayat Bangalore on the lessons of Toobugere Jack level under the aegis of the Kearla State Bio- Grovers Association. The Association is Diversity Board (KSBB). Data on Jackfruit tree initiated by the Hon. Vice Chancellor in 2005 from about 50 such PBRs, covering 14 districts and registered under Cooperative Society's have been tabulated. Act in 2009. This was a DBT project supported by RBRC. It involved 15 villages with 5100 He explained that Jackfruit tree is fruit bearing trees. Twelve excellent monoecious. Tiny male flowers are borne in varieties were screened out. These farmers oblong clusters, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in are earning Rs.20 lakh per annum from sales length; female flower clusters are elliptic or of Jackfruit and products. This initiation rounded. Largest of all tree-borne fruits, helped avoid the intervention of middlemen Jackfruit may be 8 inches to 3 feet long and 6 and solved the problem of low quality of to 20 inches wide and the weight ranges from jackfruit. Direct marketing multiplication of 4.5 -20 or 50 kgs. The rind or exterior of the ideal varieties and training on value addition compound (aggragate) fruit is green or yellow are the major activities undertaken by the when ripe and composed of numerous hard Association. Melas are also organised cone-like points attached to a thick rubbery annually by theAssociation since 2007. pale yellow or whitish wall. The interior consists of large bulbs (fully developed 5.7. Successful Experiments of Voluntary perianths) of yellow banana-flavored flesh, Efforts massed among narrow ribbons of thin tough Sri. R. Suresh, Project Officer, State undeveloped perianths (or perigones) and a Horticulture Mission, Kerala chaired the central pithy core. Each bulb encloses a session. Adv. Biju Joseph representing smooth, oval, light brown seed (endocarp) JACKO, Thodupuzha shared the organization's covered by a thin white membrane (exocarp). experience. His presentation included the The seed is 2-4 cm long and 1.25-2 cm thick ecological, commercial and food value of and is white and crisp within. There may be jackfruit. He stated that the varieties such as up to 500 seeds in a fruit. The fruit matures in Theon Varikka, Muttom Varikka, Menon 79-240 days, after the emergence of the Varikka, Sindhuram , Rudhrakshi etc are flowering spikes. In Kerala the fruiting season suitable for Kerala market. Besides, there begins from February and ends during May- are unclassified varieties like late season , June. Fruit size, shape, color, texture, odor early season, all season, twice bearing and taste of the edible pulp varies varieties, which can be planted so as to tremendously. Even though the trees are harvest jackfruit 8 months per year. He broadly classified as 'koozha' and 'varikka' sub- opined that budding was preferable over varieties are also found in different grafting. He had successfully planted districts of Kerala, based on their jackfruit as an intercrop with pepper etc. It aromatic smell, texture and hardness was also planted as a border tree. of the fruit.

5.8. Panel Discussion Sri James P. Mathew one of the The final session was a panel discussion panelists displayed several moderated by Dr. R.V. Varma, Chairman, varieties of the value added Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The products he innovated like panelists were Sri. James.P. Mathew dehydrated raw jackfruit, (Kanhirapuzha Farmers club, Palakkad) and porridge, Mr. K.R.Jayan (Plavu Jayan ,Trissur). The payasam, moderator started a presentation on fried 'Varieties of Jackfruit Tree and Associated jackfruit, pickle etc. He narrated his unsuccessful linkage/networking and follow up. Each efforts to take up this venture in a group discussed the various commercial way and the difficulties he faced aspects/possibilities in detail and the points from the government machinery in his were shared and discussed in the plenary. attempts in promotion and production of Ideas and suggestions that emerged from the value added preparations from Jackfruit. group discussion included:

The next panelist Sri. K.R. Jayan, popularly About linkage / network known as Plavu Jayan, is a success story of an individual committed to promoting Jack tree A network of different stakeholders – cultivation in the State. He disclosed that he Agriculture Universities, Horticulture has planted thousands of jack saplings on Department, Research Institutions, NGOs and roadsides and in public places in the state. He farmers – should be developed enlivened his presentation with a video film produced by him. He also shared the contents The network should be formed from of a book he has written on jackfruit tree. the village level to the national and international level. 5.9. Linkage and Networking The third (final) day of the workshop was A Jackfruit Growers Association mainly devoted to discussions on the should be launched at the state level and possibilities for linkage and networking, proper linkage should be promoted across the follow up action and developing a state. declaration. The proceedings were moderated by Sri. G. Placid, Director, Sahayi As an initial step for forming, and Chairperson, KAVAL. The moderator promoting, developing and strengthening explained, in brief, the need for promoting linkage and network a state level core and developing linkage and networking committee should be formed comprising the among the various actors, such as representatives of the present organizers and government institutions and departments, partners and experienced persons like Plavu Agriculture Universities and Research Jayan, Adv. Biju Joseph, Sri. James. P. Institutions, farmers, NGOs, entrepreneurs, Mathew, Sri. Joseph Lukose, Sri. Ken Love, media etc. at local, national, regional and Sri. Shree Padre, etc. international levels and invited the participants to come up with creative A State level statutory organization ideas/suggestions in this regard. with independent entity should be formed.

The participants were divided into small Other ideas on follow up groups for discussing the possibilities for Aweb site should be created

More research should be conducted on jackfruit.

Proper mechanism should be developed for identification and grading of JF.

New varieties of JF should be developed.

More thrust is to be given for production. Government should come forward/ permit A projection of the production of JF in production of products like wine out of JF Kerala should be made and a perspective plan and market it at national / international level should be prepared. JF should be branded as a major food A product trade mark should be item in the tourism sector. given. The next session in the afternoon Work related to the production of JF concentrated on developing a declaration as should be included in the MGNREGS. an immediate result of the National Fest with the name Ananthapuri Declaration. The draft Promotion of JF production, of the declaration was presented before the processing and marketing should become a participants by the Moderator and a mission. consensus was reached by incorporating relevant points and the declaration was People should be encouraged to finalized. consume jack fruit as an organic seasonal vegetable. 5.10.Ananthapuri Declaration We the participants of the National JF should be standardized and proper Jackfruit Festival 2011, representing cross strategies should be evolved to include this in sections of different populations of India the PDS. and the world, recognize the importance of jackfruit for local food security and the Structured research should be urgency of promoting cultivation, conducted at Government and University processing and distribution of jackfruit level. products.

Machinery should be given at Jackfruit is an ethnic food crop having subsidized rates by the government. diversified uses in nutrition, medicine and industry both for human and animal Jackfruit should be declared as 'State populations. tree’ We demand that: Topic related to JF should be included in the school syllabus platforms and linkages be developed A separate publication should be at all levels-local, state, national and published on JF at state level. international- for policy advocacy and promotional activities Intensive awareness programs should be organized among the masses to promote JF as a local food.

Protect the existing trees and promote new varieties and also encourage planting jackfruit trees in waste/public lands.

Proper training should be extended to the community to get involved in the production of value added products. Suitable policies be formulated by the government for facilitating the planting 5.11. Evaluation of jack trees in public lands including Almost all of the participants evaluated the wastelands and forest lands. workshops as very informative and useful. Some of them opined that it provided an effective marketing strategies be opportunity for collective thinking and developed for domestic as well as global formation of future course of action for market promoting Jackfruit. There were also ample opportunities for sharing local /indigenous research and development efforts knowledge and experience on JF which was be undertaken with special focus on exciting and inspiring. The product diversification and value addition literature/learning materials were also rated as highly useful. Further, the participants information, education, docume- appreciated the way the sessions were ntation and communication strategies be organized and coordinated, leading to a employed for the promotion of jackfruit definite plan for follow up. and jackfruit products at all levels

a State level Council and a National Jackfruit Mission should be formed for the protection and promotion of jackfruit. 6. EXHIBITION from Panrutty (Tamil nadu).The products included Pulp, Jelly, Squash and sip up, Jam, Chips, Halwa, Soup mix, Wine, Nectar, The exhibition held in conjunction with the Chutney powder, Seed powder, Unniyappam, Festival brought together Government and Dosa, Puttu, Ada, Ice cream etc., all Non Government organizations, Academic developed and prepared by Govt. agencies Institutions, R&D Institutes, Civil Society and NGO's across the country. Products made groups and Business group to show case their in Thailand and Sri Lanka were among the 200 knowledge, products and publications. The value added items available for sale. exhibition was well appreciated by all Jackfruit grafts, seedlings and plants were sections of the society and drew wide media also on sale. There was also a food court attention. The participants in the exhibition where there was very heavy rush of visitors included National Horticulture Board, for trying out various jackfruit based eatables National Institute of Naturopathy, State prepared by various farmers clubs and other Horticulture Mission, Agricultural University, groups including several Kudumbasree units. State Horticulture Development Corporation, Another attraction was a live demo on Soil Survey Department, Agriculture jackfruit preparations. The photography Department, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, exhibition also drew the attention of a large Centre for Innovation in Science and Social section of visitors. Action (CISSA),Santhigram, Mitraniketan, Uravu, Thanal, Kerala State Vegetable and Government agencies like Kerala Agricultural Fruit Promotion Council, Kerala State Milk University, HORTICORP,Agrifarm etc sold out Marketing Federation, several business almost their entire stock of jackfruit houses and Thiruvananthapuram City seedlings. Private nurseries like Athma Corporation. Nilayam Nursery Garden were also seen selling different varieties of jack grafts. Diverse varieties of Jackfruit and value added There was also great demand for Jackfruit products were showcased in the exhibition. Recipe books published by CISSA. About One of the star attractions of the Exhibition 2,00,000 persons have visited the pavilion. was the display of a 52 kg Jackfruit brought 7. Skill Training On Value Added participated. The products exhibited were highly appreciated by the judges and the Products From Jackfruit viewers. Varieties of products displayed under each category threw light on the possibility of Side by side with the workshop and exhibition, commercial exploitation of jack fruit. The a three-day skill training around jack fruit contest was supervised by a panel of judges processing and value-added products was also including Dr. Mary Ukkuru, Prof. Department of held in Palace premises (Kerala Agri- Home Sciense, COA, Vellayani (Chair person), Horticulture Society Hall). In the training Smt. Dr.Vasanthakumar, Profesor & Head, Dept.of P. Girija (Subject Matter Specialist, Home Processing Tecch, Dr. B. Prasannakumari, Science, Mitraniketan KVK) took classes on Assoc.Professor, Department of Home Sciense, 'Importance of Jackfruit and Food security' COA, Padannakkad, Kasaragod, Mrs. Priya and Dr. M. Rajani (Associate Prof. College of Chippy,Commerical Entreprenner,Tvpm. Agriculture, Vellayani) conducted a class on 'Jackfruit and value added products' and Mr.C.D. Suneesh, Mr. K.G.Balan, Mr. A.P.Anilkumar from Ruchi farmers Network, Uravu, Wayanad imparted practical training on products given in the table below. During evaluation the participants expressed their interest in advanced training. Skill in : Chakka (JF) bajji, Chakka Unniyappam, Chakka jam, Chakka halwa, Chakka Pappadam, Chakka achar, Chakka kuru achar, Chakka preserve, Chakka Varatty, Chakka wine, Chakka Pazham jelly, Chakka pazham payasam mix,Chakka pazham necter, Chakka squash, Chakka ginger squash No. of participants: 32 (26 F + 6 M) new comers and 4 trained females from Santhigram. Total (32+4) =36 (30 F+6M)

8. CompetitionsAndAwards

An interesting item of the Fest was the competitions in Logo, Photography and Cookery. For want of sufficient number of participants, the planned quiz competition was not held. Cash awards, Prizes and certificate of merit were distributed among the winners.

8.1 Cookery contest

Cookery contest was conducted for jackfruit based processed products under four categories. Forty two contestants 8.2 List of Winners, Awardees

Sl.no. Name and Place Position Cash / Award 1. Logo Competition Mr . Syam mohan, Azhoor Selected Rs.3000/-, Certificate Mr.V.Vijayakumar, Tvpm Certificate of Merit Certificate Mr.U.M.Binni, Kollam Certificate of Merit Certificate Mr. Prakash Vayala, Kollam Certificate of Merit Certificate

2. Photography Competition Mr. Saji Chunda, Kannur First prize Rs.5000/-, Certificate Mr . Sibi , Kasaragod Second prize Rs.3000/-, Certificate Mr.P.N.Sreevalsan, Third prize Rs.2000/-, Certificate Ko zh ikode Mr.S.Rameshkumar, Kollam Consolation prize Certificate Mr.Baburaj Porathissery, Consolation prize Certificate Iringalakkuda Mr .Syamal Das, Kolkata Consolation prize Certificate Mr. Gopan Thaliyal, Tvpm Consolation prize Certificate

3. COOKERY COMPETITION 3.a Traditional jackfruit products Ms. Asha Alex, Poojapura First prize Rs.1500/-, Certificate Ms. Rajalakshmy, Second prize Rs. 1000/-, Certificate Gomathy Bhavan

Ms. Amirt ha M. S, Third prize Rs. 500/-, Certificate Pathanamthitta

3.b Novel Products Ms. Geetha George, Palayam First prize Rs.1500/-, Certificate Ms. Meena Suresh, Second prize Rs. 1000/-, Certificate Pathanmthitta Dr . Lail a Rani, Tvpm Third prize Rs. 500/-, Certificate 3.c Jackfruit Snacks Ms. Susamma Mathi, First prize Rs.1500/-, Certificate Th iruma la Ms. Rajalakshmi Second prize Rs. 1000/-, Certificate Go math y bh avan Dr . Lail a Rani, Tvpm Third prize. Rs. 500/-, Certificate 3.d Commercial Jack Products Ms. Leelama Mathai, First prize Rs.1500/-, Certificate Sasthamangalam Ms. Manju L,Vellayani Second prize Rs. 1000/-, Certificate Ms. Rakhi Alex, Poojapura Third prize Rs. 500/-, Certificate 9.Live Demo Of Jackfruit 11. Musical Fete Preparations Cultural programs were arranged in the Live Demonstration of jackfruit evening on the first and second day of the preparations were conducted by Sri Fest. On the first day, Sri Murali Menon James P.Mathew, Kanjirappuzha, Farmers and Team, Musical Waves, Thiruvana- Club, Palakkad and Sri Ken Love, nthapuram treated the participants of President, Tropical Fruit Growers the fest with their innovative sitar fusion Association, Hawaii from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. music. On the second day it was the turn on the first two days of the Fest. of Sri Rajeev and Team, Nalanda, Thiruvan anathapuram, to regale the participants with their folklore songs.

12.Honoring Eminent Personalities The Fest also witnessed the honoring of eminent personalities and groups engaged in jack fruit promotion. These included: 1.URAVU, Wayanad 2.CARD, KVK, Pathanamthitta 3.Sri. Shree Padre, Adike Patrike, 10.Jackfruit Tree Planting Karnataka Campaign 4.Sri. Joseph Lukose, GRAMA Farmers On 5 June, Environment Day, a jackfruit Club, Bharananaganam, tree planting campaign was launched by 5.Sri. K.R. Jayan (Plavu Jayan), Sri P.T. Mathew, President, Kerala Grama 6.Sri. James P. Mathew, Kanjirappuzha, Panchayat Association at Naduvil Grama Palakkad Panchayat, Kannur district. As a part of 7.Dr. Mary Ukkru, College of Agriculture, the campaign Thiruvananthapuram Vellayani Corporation and District Panchayat also took steps to start one lakh jackfruit tree planting program within one year. 13. Valedictory Function 14. Media Coverage The valedictory function of the three-day The fest was given prominent coverage by Fest which was conducted from 4 p.m. to the media, both print and electronic. The 6 p.m on 6 June in the Kanakakunnu high success of the event was largely due Palace Hall, started with a prayer song by to the extensive media coverage. Smt. Mercy George, Society of Love. Sri V.S. Santhosh kumar, Secretary, Thiruvan- 15. Conclusion anthapuram District Panchayat, By all counts, the National Jack Fruit welcomed the chief guests and the Festival 2011 was a roaring success. The audience. Sri P.M. Dev presented a brief tens of thousands of people who report of the proceedings of the Fest. participated in it are the proof. The Presidential address was delivered by Adv. message –'jackfruit-key to local food K. Chandrika, Worshipful Mayor, security' has gone home to the people. Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram. Sri The tremendous success of the event Shree Padre, read out the 'Anantapuri points to the tremendous appeal that jack Declaration'. Dr. M.K.Muneer, Hon. fruit still holds for the people. As some Minister for Panchayat and Social welfare speakers have pointed out, recognition of gave the valedictory address. jack fruit is also recognition of the latent Smt.B.Sugathakumari, Poetess and goodness in our hearts. The key to local Environmental activist, Sri K.P. food security is also the key to our Jayachandran, Deputy General Manager, ecological re-awakening. Numerous and NABARD and Dr. Sundara Babu, Director, far reaching are the promises the event Vikas Adhyayan Kendra (VAK), Mumbai holds for the future of our country. addressed the audience. Sri. M.K. Muneer Thiruvananthapuram can feel proud of and Adv. K. Chandrika gave away various having hosted this national program. It is awards and certificates of merit. Dr. C. for all the stakeholders- government, Sureshkumar, General Secretary, CISSA, NGOs and the media- to carry forward the proposed the vote of thanks. The campaign to its logical end and prove that valedictory function came to a close with Jackfruit is the golden key to local food the chanting of the NationalAnthem. security. ORGANIZING COMMITTEE/ THE TEAM

Name Organisation Designation Patrons Sri. Oommen Chandy Chief Minister of Kerala Chief Patron Prof. K.V.Thomas Minister of State for Agriculture and Patron Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution, Govt.of India Sri.K.P. Mohanan Minister for Agriculture, Kerala Patron Dr.Shashi Tharoor Member of Parliament Patron Sri.Bijaykumar IAS MD, National Horticulture Board Patron Sri.K.Jayakumar IAS Addl. Chief Secretary & Agriculture Patron Production Commiss ioner, Govt. of Kerala Sri.K.R.Viswambaran IAS Vice Chancellor, KAU Patron Sri.P.H.