PANAJI
The Goa Agriculture Department has decided to promote organized plantation of 'Jackfruit' (Panos in Konkani) as the fruit with the golden bulb (now comes in a variety of colours also) is gaining commercial importance for its proven nutritional value.
"We have started to plant Jackfruit plant through promoting farmers which was a neglected crop in Goa. The government provides assistance of Rs 60,000 per hectare for Jackfruit", informed Director of Agriculture Nevil Alphonso.
Alphonso said that farmers get good yielding varieties from nurseries outside Goa especially Maharastra.
He said Jackfruit plantation would take place vigorously now. In this year itself, 10-20 hectares of jackfruit plantation will materialise.
We are expecting a good yield in about 3-4 years. All varieties of Kappo (good crispy variety of jackfruit) grafting will be done. Rasal (variety with sticky bulb) has no good use.
The scheme is applicable across Goa but expected to promote more in the Western Ghat areas of Canacona, Quepem, Sanguem, Pernem.
It will take 2-3 years for more plantations in Goa, said Alphonso.
While elaborating further on Jackfruit plantation in Goa, Alphonso informed that there is no organized plantation of Jackfruit in Goa, as also mango, cashew and coconut.
Jackfruit has a lot of proven nutritional value. It is a regional crop like mango, cashew, and coconut, he said, adding that the probable reason for Jackfruit plantation being neglected could be low consumption of the fruit in State. As there was no quality jackfruit they were put to cattle.
"Now the importance is increasing. Industries are coming in from other parts of the country as well as Goa which prepare chips from Jackfruits", said Alphonso.
Alphonso also informed that a self help group in Balli has started a multi-fruit processing unit with the help of Goa Biodiversity and Goa Shipyard Limited. This unit prepares Jackfruit pulp and chips.
While elaborating more on how Jackfruit can give more commercial value, Alphonso said the powder of seeds (bhikna) is blended with chappati flour giving more nutritional value than the normal wheat flour.
"Blending with wheat flour increases nutritive qualities. The powder is also a good protein source", said Alphonso.
For this reason, the Agriculture Department has decided to promote Jackfruit plantation, he said.
"We are giving subsidy to farmers who have to buy a minimum of 16 plants that is planted in minimum 1000 square meter area", said Alphonso adding that technical guidance is also given.
PANAJI: Malaysian Dwarf, Rudrakshi Red, Singapore Early, Hemchachandra Jack, Mankale Red, Varshree Red, Janagere Yellow, Pakamattam, Brazil Jack, Vietnam Super Early, Byrachandra super are the Jackfruit varieties which government is promoting.
Malaysian Dwarf variety yields fruits twice -- before and after monsoon, Rudrakshi Red gives very sweet fruit with red bulb with a fruit of 3-5 kg, Singapore Early with Red bulb is ready for harvest in December, Hemchandra Jack gives fruits in August to September, Manakale Red fruit is of 10-12 kg with crispy sweet taste,
Varashree Red gives fruit with Orange bulb with crunchy and sweet medium size fruit yields in June, Janagare Yellow gives 8-9 kg fruit with yellow bulb in June, Pakamattam variety fruit are sweet reddish bulb, Brazil Jack has round shape, sweet bright yellow bulb, Vietnam Super which bears fruits twice is a special variety for vegetable, chips
Byrachandra super early has orange coloured big size bulbs oblong gum and contains less crispy and firm superb taste.
