TURA, JULY 3: The sweet aroma of jackfruits and its value added products wafted in the air at the first of its kind “Jackfruit Mela” held at Parade Ground in Meghalaya’s West Garo hills distrct.
The mela was organised by Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP), Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE) in collaboration with Tura College of Home Science, Central Agriculture University (CAU) and partners from different blocks of Garo hills.
The college of home science had put up a stall, which displayed different value added products of jackfruits – papad, squash, chips, jam, flour and wine, among others. The college also displayed its innovative product pasta made out of jackfruit seeds.
“We are reaching out to rural masses by providing training and capacity building. The project is funded by Ministry of Food Processing and Department of Bio-technology New Delhi”, informed K Shiela, Dean of Home Science College.
Many partners trained by the institute in collaboration with MIE, IBDLP also displayed their value added products. The products were on display and sale. The entrepreneurs from different blocks of Garo hills offered the visitors to taste their products for free.
“We want to popularise the products and create awareness. People in Garo hills do not value jackfruit”, said Bilinda T Sangma of Gambegre, who has started her small enterprise after successfully undergoing training.
“We sell our products in villages and earn about Rs. 500 daily”, said a member of Tangkame SHG.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony North Tura MLA and parliamentary secretary Noverfield Marak said, “It is high time that the jackfruit and its value added products are popularised, so that rural people can generate a sustained income”.
He also acknowledged that an event like jackfruit mela will create consciousness among the masses on the importance of jackfruit.
“Garo Hills is blessed abundantly with jackfruit trees. However, most of the people do not like to consume it. They feel that the fruit is meant only for the pigs and the poor”, said Purno K Sangma, chairman of Garo Hills District Council. He was of the view that if jackfruit s exported in proper way it can fetch a lot of revenue for the state and ensure that people’s socio-economic condition is improved.
Highlighting the value of jackfruit in other parts of the country, the deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi urged the people to realise the importance of the jackfruit and learn the technology for its value addition. He lauded the research being carried out by College of Home Science and said it can claim patent for developing pasta out of jackfruit seed.
To attract visitors to the mela, the organiser also conducted various competitions like heaviest jackfruit, jackfruit cooking and eating competition, etc.- From Our Correspondent
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