Jackfruit

TRIPURAPRIDE 

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllusL.) is an important fruit crop of humid tropical and near-tropical climatic regions. India is considered to be native to jack. The tree is monoecious, evergreen and bears the largest edible fruit in the world. In Tripura, the jackfruit is a popular fruit ranking next to the mango, pineapple, banana and orange in total annual production. The agro-climatic condition (humid sub¬tropical), fertile and acidic soil with good depth and abundant rainfall favour the cultivation of jackfruits. They have been exported to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and neighbouring states like Assam. Jackfruit is one of the commercial fruit crops in Tripura and has high local demand. The farming community of the state earns a lot of money from it, as its cultivation is easy, hardy in nature, producing fruits even under adverse soil and climatic conditions. The succulent and aromatic fruit is eaten fresh. The edible portion (flakes/bulbs) of the fruit is developed from perianth parts. The seeds are also relished when boiled or roasted and eaten out of hand or after soaking in syrup for some time or cooked in dishes. The seeds are also popular ingredients in many culinary preparations. The latex from bark contains a large amount of resins and is often used to plug holes in containers. Jackfruit is a rich source of carbohydrates, carotene, pectin, calories, calcium, potassium and vitamin A. The area under jackfruit cultivation in Tripura is 8,645.00 ha and the production is 2, 56,280.00 MT. Apart from being used as a table fruit, jack is popular fruit among housewives for making pickles, sweets and thin round papad. Canned jack fruit, syrup, jam, jelly and candy have also been attempted. Even though it is a minor fruit crop but in Tripura it is cultivated as one of the major fruit crops. People of Tripura consume immature jackfruit as a vegetable and ripe fruit is consumed fresh. There is a high potential for increasing the area, production and processing.