International fest set to jack up Kerala's own fruit
As many as 16 seminars and a training programme for women will also be held.
KOZHIKODE: Scientists, scholars and farmers from around the globe are set to discuss all about jackfruit at a workshop in Wayanad from August 9 to 14. Topics, including the latest technologies and trends, products from the fruit and its marketing, will be debated at the ‘International Workshop on Production, Value Addition and Marketing of Jackfruit' being organised by the Kerala Agricultural University at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad.
A total of 17 scientists from eight countries will present papers and the programme will enable the famers to interact with the experts. As many as 16 seminars and a training programme for women will also be held. “Wayanad has been selected as the venue as it is an ideal backdrop with its rich collection of jackfruit varieties and diverse tree forms,” said KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran.
“Jackfruit has enormous potential but its possibilities are stuck due to lack of network and marketing opportunities. The workshop will help formulate potential value addition, processing and marketing avenues,” he added. The jack fest is being conducted in association with Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare department, TFNet (International Fruit Network), ICAR, National Horticulture Board, State Horticulture Mission, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council of Keralam, District Legal Services Authority and the International Society for South-East Asian Agricultural Sciences.