KOZHIKODE: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Pathanamthitta under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has come up with ‘Raw Jackfruit powder’ which opens up multiple opportunities for those who process the fruit. The raw jackfruit powder is the answer to the large wastage of jackfruit where all the parts of the fruit are being utilized except the thorny outer layer.
Secondly, it involves simple technology to make it in households with the usage of equipment, drier. Finally, the 4-5 month shelf period of the powder could replace the junk food. “Several value added products could be made out of it by mixing with finger millet, arrowroot or such other local products to replace oats. Whatever we make with rice and wheat flour is possible with this too,” said Dr C.P Robert, senior scientist and head at KVK.
The main impediment of the powder becoming a substitute for maida is its cost of production. “One Kg of powder will cost between Rs 400-450. But it could be overcome by manufacturing it in households where jackfruit is being wasted normally,” reasons Mr Robert.
KVK Pathanamthitta is selling the powder in three packets—100 gram, 300 gram and 500 gram. A packet of 100 gram is being sold for Rs 60. “The technology of producing raw jackfruit powder saves lot of labour. It is a good beginning. Our food technologists have to start from here to lessen the cost of production,” noted Shree Padre, the well-known agricultural journalist.
