Shri. Kummanam Rajasekharan, Chief Patron, Aranmula Heritage Trust,
Shri. Shree Padre, Global Jack Fruit Ambassador,
Dr. B. Padmakumar, Head, General Medicine, Medical College, Paarippalli
Shri. S.D Venukumar, Bureau Chief, Mathrubhumi,
Shri. Ajayakumar Pullad, Chairman, National Jack Fruit and Agri Fest
Shri. Prasad Ananda Bhavan, General Convener
Priyappetta Karshaka Suhruththukkale,
Madhyama Suhruththukkale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram
I am very happy to inaugurate this session of the National Jack fruit and Agri-Fest at Aranmula, organized by the Aranmula Heritage Trust.
Though this is the first time I am visiting Aranmula, the name of the place is quite familiar to me, since Aranmula is a global heritage site enlisted by the United Nations. Besides, the Aranmula 'Vallam Kali', is well known in India and the Aranmula mirror, famous all over the world.
But, today, what is winning our hearts is the people's interest in the promotion of agriculture, with special focus on Jack Fruit, well known as 'Chakka'. I understand that this is the second time that a National Jack Fruit Fest is being organized here.
As we all know, the cultivation of Jack Fruit is not new to our land. Though its name derives from the Portuguese language, we have archaeological evidence to prove that jack-fruit was cultivated in India even 3000 years ago. Jack Fruit finds a mention in some of our oldest publications about the plant wealth of Asia. For instance, the Hortus Malabaricus , which is a classical treatise published in the 17th Century, has adequate information on 'Chakka'. Since this ancient book mentions its nutritional and medicinal properties, we have reason to believe that the fruit was regularly used by our ancestors.
But, in the passage of time, this fruit also suffered considerable neglect like many other agricultural crops. In fact, until recently, there was a trend to ignore farming as an unprofitable activity.
In Kerala, we are heavily dependent on other States even for rice, which is our staple diet. That our Government is now coming with a revival package for the cultivation of paddy, which gives our staple diet, itself shows our neglect of agriculture in recent years. When it comes to Jack Fruit, many of us were more interested in using its wood for furniture and house construction. But, if we know the vast potential of the Jack Fruit in today's market, we will never cut down a Jack fruit tree. In South East Asian countries like Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand also, it is in great demand.
But, why go that far? In Tamil Nadu, we do not have as many Jack fruit trees as we have in Kerala. Sometimes one fruit costs more than Rs.400 in the market. And, since the farmer's annual expense is almost nothing, this is a very profitable crop, and the Jack Fruit benefits humans as well as the cattle. Therefore, the Government should certainly promote the cultivation of Jack Fruit by giving incentives to farmers. In fact, every household should think of having at least one jack fruit tree in their compound. Our social forestry initiatives could also give more importance to Jack Fruit cultivation in campuses and other lands owned by the Government.
But, is it always fair to think that any initiative should come from the government? Why don't we start it from our own celebrations? Kerala’s feast, the Sadya is very famous, but do we include a Chakka delicacy in it? While eating Chakka is limited to our routine food at home, we tend to keep it away during our happiest occasions, as if it is nothing special. In fact, with its high nutritional value, it could contribute to food security for the marginalized and underprivileged. But, to ignore it as the food of the under privileged is a grave mistake. First of all, this mind-set should change and jack fruit promotion should begin from our own plates and the Sadya leaf.
Here, I hope a word or two about our own experience at Kerala Raj Bhavan would not be out of place. We have 76 Jack Fruit trees in our compound and some of them give very good yield. Recently , when New Indian Express carried a report about how Raj Bhavan promotes agriculture, they had carried my photo near a Jack Fruit tree, which had fruits from top to bottom. I remember what many people commented : " Venamenkil chakka Verilum Kaaykkum". All of you know its meaning : 'where there is a will, there is a way'. We only need to exercise our will to promote agriculture and positive results will follow.
Of late, there has been a renewed interest in Chakka, mainly due to the knowledge about its medicinal properties. As we all know, in Kerala, we are plagued by life-style diseases. The Jack Fruit has properties that would help to strengthen our immune system, regulate our blood pressure, prevent anemia and reduce the risk of heart ailments. With all these benefits, I feel we should encourage its cultivation and provide opportunities for creation of value added products from jack Fruit.
Value addition is important in the case of any agricultural produce and to have value added products, we need people with the right kind of skills. I am happy that this Agri-Fest provides opportunities for skill training. You may be aware that even though India is the world's second largest producer of fruits and vegetables, our wastage due to lack of storage and processing facilities is very high. If we have enough people engaged in fruit processing industries, facilities would automatically come. Therefore, youngsters should think of acquiring skills in food processing and also volunteer to start such businesses.
I hope this Agri Fest encourages at least some of our youth to see Jack fruit and agriculture in a new light. Since this Fest showcases varieties of livestock, I hope it will highlight the benefits of dairy farming also.
I appreciate the efforts of the Aranmula Heritage Trust in organizing this Agricultural Fest in an orderly manner. I also greet the karshakars who are attending this programme and wish them all the best.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni,
Jai Hind
