Market Potential Study of Red Fleshed Jackfruit in Tumkur District of Karnataka

Abstract

Jackfruit is a multi-utility crop and is one of the least researched fruit crops in the world. It is believed to have originated in the Western Ghats region and is mostly cultivated in the South and Southeast Asia. India is the largest producer of Jackfruit followed by Bangladesh and Thailand. A special variety of jackfruit with red flesh is found in the Tumkur district of Karnataka. In fact, majority of the farmers in these regions mostly grow red varieties and have been conserving this for many years. The red fleshed jackfruits are late maturing compared to yellow ones and the fruits will be available from June, July till August. The major attraction for red fleshed jackfruit is its colour. This colour shows different variations like deep orange, orange yellow, coppery red, tip alone orange etc. Apart from the colour, these varieties are having less aroma and sweetness and may appeal to those customers who don’t like the strong aroma of yellow fleshed ones. Given the additional nutritional benefits of red jack as well as venturing into osmodehydrated products highlights its huge potential in the market. There is a need to promote red jack as ‘different’ in order to help the famers to get better prices. The transition of this unorganized way of production and sale of red jack to a more organized and commercial method will ensure a sustainable livelihood and improves the living conditions of the farmers.