Title : Jackfruit ( artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) - a multipurpose tree for sustainable development in tropical regions of india and the globe
Abstract:
Jackfruit is native to India, with its origin from Western Ghats and spread across several states of South, East, West and North Eastern parts of India and many tropical countries. It grows as wild tree in its habitat. Now with selection of elite varieties and vegetative propagation methods, it is possible to get clonal plants for area expansion, early bearing and varieties suitable for various purposes. The jackfruit is widely used by people as food source, the tender fruits as vegetable, mature fruits for preparation of value-added products as such chips, papad, flake and seed flour, which are having good amount of minerals as well as vitamins and fiber, thus providing low glycemic food for diabetic people. The ripe fruits are mainly used for direct consumption by all category of people, has many medicinal properties, used in preparation of jam, juice, squash, pulp for ice cream and sweets. The outer skin of the fruit as the delicious feed for animals. The tree gives very good quality timber and is extensively used in wooden carvings and preparation of musical instruments. The wood has termite resistant quality and long lasting, considered as auspicious, used in several south Indian temples as main door frame. The jackfruit tree is considered as evergreen tree and contributes for cool environment. Leaves serve as fodder for animals and fallen leaves as good source of organic manure. One acre of Jackfruit can serve many needs of a farmer with good economic returns. The trees has rare quality of adaptability to sustain both in extreme drought and floods conditions besides the minimum care and low investments makes it a farmer friendly crop, can take care many generations since it lives for many centuries. Thus, it can be aptly called as second “ Kalpa Vruksha” next to Coconut and contribute for food security and sustainability.
