KOZHIKODE: A vehicle with many value added products of Jackfruit and saplings of the plant is being readied for a journey across the state. The ‘Chakka Vandi’ is being launched on an experimental basis by K. Mriduvarnan of Alathur, Palakkad with the support of the JF promotion consortium of Pathanamthitta. Currently, eight products are available in the vehicle—ice cream, pickle, mixture, chakkavarati, chaka muruku etc.
Some of the products are made by Mriduvarnan himself and the others have been provided by the members of the consortium. “We had launched it a few days back in Thrissur and the response was overwhelming. Besides sales, we buy pure JF products made by households, self-help groups etc. The purpose is the promotion of the traditional fruit which has been left to ruin,” says
Mriduvarnan. Five varieties of JF saplings are available in the vehicle, viz., red JF, all season JF, early JF and dwarf JF. All are grafted items which will bear fruit in four years. “Our target is food festivals and private celebrations where we expect a place for the vehicle. Once people get to know about the nutritional value of the pure organic products, sale will increase,” hopes the 42-year old JF lover.
After the trial run, Chakka Vandi has been getting orders, more from Ernakulam district. According to Rufus Daniel, chairperson of the state jack fruit promotion council, JF had found deserving space in the policy of the new government which was announced by the Governor.
