Jackfruit becomes official fruit of Kerala

Jackfruit has been announced as Kerala's official fruit on Wednesday by the state government. The formal announcement was made by Agriculture Minister V S Sunilkumar in the State Legislative Assembly.

Reportedly, the decision about the state fruit was taken after a proposal was made in this regard by the State Agriculture Department with an aim to promote Kerala Jackfruit as a brand across the world.

Jackfruit is said to be the largest tree-borne fruit and is known for its distinctive taste and aroma the pride of place.

Notably, declaring Jackfruit as the state fruit will reportedly help in giving a boost to its production and sale, besides increasing its value-added products.

Each year around 320 million jackfruits is produced in the state, of which 30 per cent goes waste, according to available statistics.

A total revenue of Rs 15,000 crore is expected through the sale of jackfruit and its related products through branding of the fruit, Kumar said.

The 'Kerala jackfruit' is more organic and tasty as it is produced in a very natural way without using any chemical fertilisers or pesticides, the minister said.

There are also plans to distribute maximum jackfruit saplings among the public to grow it in their backyards as part of plans to expand the cultivation, he said.

The agricultural office in Ambalavayil in Wayanad will be used as a research station for jackfruit. 

Elephant is the state animal of Kerala, while 'great hornbill' the bird and 'kanikkonna' the official flower.

The state had recently declared pearl spot, popularly known as 'karimeen', as its official fish.

The government also conducts 'jackfruit fest' every year to popularise the fruit and its products among public.

"Besides the taste and nutritious quality, the timber value of jackfruit tree is also high. Compared to many other trees, it plays a great role in fighting greenhouse gases," Kumar had earlier said.