This is the opinion of Bijay Kumar, Managing Director of National Horticulture Board (NHB). He was expressing this in an exclusive interview to Panasam Wonders.

He regretted “We are not able to exploit its full potential. But as it is a good livelihood option for the weaker sections of the society, it’s high time to concentrate our efforts for its development.”

According to him, there are three main ways to popularize jackfruit. Using it for vegetable, consumption for table purpose as fresh fruit and value addition.

When enquired about whether he subscribes to the opinion that jackfruit is the highest neglected fruit of the country, he agreed and said that it was one of the neglected fruit.

According to Bijay Kumar, “All stakeholders of jackfruit production, processing, marketing and research have to come to a common platform and discuss the issues threadbare. All the research findings, local knowledge etc have to be consolidated.” In this view, NHB has already initiated process to have a one- day workshop of stakeholders of Jackfruit in near future.

In conclusion, he said: “Fund is not a problem. We can rope in required agencies. Let all of us put our heads together and work towards one goal.”

Interviewed by Shree Padre

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