Bhubaneswar: The Directorate of Horticulture, under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), successfully organised a two-day training-cum-workshop on the Odisha Jackfruit Mission. The event, held on November 30 and December 1, at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Horticulture, Deras, brought together stakeholders from across the state and beyond to explore innovative opportunities in the jackfruit sector.
The workshop witnessed active participation from representatives of three Technology Incubation Centers (TICs) located in Koraput, Kandhamal, and Keonjhar, along with officials from DA&FE, ORMAS, ICAR-IIHR (CHES), and the Technical Support Unit, Palladium. These TICs play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation within the jackfruit value chain, particularly in rural areas.
Industry specialists and master trainers from Kerala, renowned for their expertise in jackfruit processing, conducted training sessions. They guided participants in creating various value-added jackfruit products, including chips, jams, pickles, and frozen items, showcasing the immense potential of jackfruit as a versatile raw material for the food industry.
A key highlight of the workshop was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Directorate of Horticulture and leading food companies — Artocarpus Foods Pvt Ltd and Nutritivo Food Products LLP. These partnerships aim to empower the TICs by offering specialised training programmes and facilitating market linkages for jackfruit-based products.
By leveraging the expertise of these companies, the MoUs are expected to enhance the capabilities of FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) and local entrepreneurs, enabling them to enter larger markets with competitive, high-quality products. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Odisha Jackfruit Mission to establish the state as a significant player in the national and international jackfruit industry.
Speaking at the workshop, officials emphasised the importance of value addition in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. With jackfruit gaining recognition as a superfood and a key ingredient in plant-based diets, the demand for processed products has surged globally. Odisha, with its abundant jackfruit cultivation, is well-positioned to capitalise on this opportunity by equipping farmers and entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and infrastructure.
The workshop also focused on addressing challenges faced by stakeholders in the jackfruit industry, such as post-harvest losses, lack of processing facilities, and limited market access. Participants were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and collaborate with industry players to overcome these barriers.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration among government bodies, research institutions, and private players in driving the growth of Odisha’s jackfruit sector. Organisations like ORMAS and ICAR-IIHR (CHES) provided technical support, while Palladium’s Technical Support Unit offered strategic guidance for implementing the mission’s objectives.
The training-cum-workshop under the Odisha Jackfruit Mission marks a significant step forward in strengthening the jackfruit industry in Odisha. By fostering innovation, building partnerships, and empowering stakeholders, the Directorate of Horticulture is paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for the state’s jackfruit farmers and entrepreneurs. With continued efforts, Odisha is set to emerge as a leader in the value-added jackfruit market, contributing to rural development and economic growth.
