Jackfruit Diversity Fair cum Exhibition -2015 Organized at CHES/KVK, Hirehalli

TUMAKURU: Jackfruit Diversity Fair cum Exhibition –2015 was organized at Central Horticultural Experiment Station(CHES) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hirehalli, Tumakuru, on Saturday.

The Jackfruit Diversity Fair was inaugurated by the Dr. S.V. Hittalamani, Ex Additional Director (Fruits) Department of Horticulture GOK and the Chief Guest of the function. He emphasized on conservation and utilization of jackfruit for food and nutritional security of the common people.  Dr. T. Manjunatha Rao, Director, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru presided over the fair.  In his presidential address, described achievements of the IIHR for the past three years for the germplasm collection and development of the jackfruit. During the day he mentioned about the importance about jackfruit diversity and versatile to other fruit crops. Jackfruit is one and only fruit have lot of nutritional and medicinal value easily available to   common man. In his presidential address, he lauded the efforts of CHES and KVK for organizing this unique event for larger benefit of dry land farmers in the state.

Dr.Paramashiviah as guest of honour emphasized the role of jackfruit in the livelihood security of rural and tribal people. He opined on farm conservation of the indigenous jackfruit and cultivars.

Welcome address by Dr. M.R.Dinesh, Head, Division of Fruits crops, IIHR extended a hearty welcome to the dignitaries delegates, growers etc. He made a passionate presentation on introduction and technologies for adoption by identification of jackfruit at Tumakuru and encourages young entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to come forward to grow jackfruit.

The programme was organized in collaboration with AICRP – Fruits and DBT Project on Jack Fruit, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. The Jackfruit fair aims to give commercial value of this Jack fruit to the farming community as well as the entrepreneurs in Tumakuru area. To promote this as a valuable cash crop in the years to come and create a platform for Farmer-Scientist Interaction on different issues concerning Jack fruit industry in India. Exchange of ideas and thoughts among the scientific fraternity, entrepreneurs, farmers, growers from ICAR institutes, SAUs, KVKs and other Govt. and Non – Govt. organizations from different parts of the state who have been associated with jackfruit cultivation.

Finally, the Jackfruit Diversity Fair was participated by the Progressive farmers delegates, IIHR staff, UAS staff, KVK’s staff, and NGO’s from the district and neighbouring districts.

Jackfruit Diversity Fair was meticulous planned and executed by Dr. G. Karunakaran, Head,CHES,Hirehalli and team The programme concluded with vote of thank by Dr.N. aLoganandhan, Programme Coordinator KVK, Hirehalli.