(BSS)- Agricultural experts and researchers have emphasized the importance of jackfruit processing using modern technologies to preserve its value and minimize postharvest losses.

They highlighted the significance while sharing their insights with BSS, focusing on strategies for reducing jackfruit wastage and improving its marketing and value chain development.

Dr Golam Ferdous Chowdhury, a renowned jackfruit expert, elaborated on various value addition opportunities for the seasonal fruit.

He said a single jackfruit can weigh between 5 and 30 kilograms and contains hundreds of nutrient-rich seeds packed with protein, potassium, calcium, and iron-all essential for human growth.

The Postharvest Technology Division (PHTD) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has been actively working in this field to reduce wastage by promoting jackfruit processing at the grassroots level.

As part of the initiative, farmers are being trained to prepare various food products from jackfruit to enhance their income and reduce waste.

Under a three-year project currently being implemented in eight districts, numerous promotional activities are being carried out to increase jackfruit`s popularity.

"It`s a miracle fruit. It offers a wealth of nutrients and calories-everything one needs," said Dr Ferdous Chowdhury, Senior Scientific Officer at PHTD.

He noted that jackfruit, the national fruit of Bangladesh, enjoys growing demand in international markets. However, an estimated 50 percent of jackfruits, valued at around Taka 500 crore annually, are wasted due to lack of timely consumption or preservation.

To address this, proper collection, management, processing technologies and conservation techniques must be applied to ensure sustainable and substantial reduction of these losses, he added.

Dr Alim Uddin, retired Chief Scientific Officer of the Fruit Research Station (FRS), underscored the potential of jackfruit processing as a means to add value and prevent postharvest losses.

"Jackfruit contains powerful antioxidants that help protect the human body from cancer," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of providing practical training to farmers so they can process jackfruit into value-added products, benefiting financially while also supporting the economy.

"There is a significant opportunity to uplift the socio-economic condition of jackfruit-growing regions through the production of safe, jackfruit-based food items," Dr Alim observed. He recommended diversifying jackfruit use by promoting products such as jackfruit chips, jams, leather, pickles, fresh-cut items, and ready-to-cook products, frozen and dried foods.

Dr Shafiqul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer at FRS, noted that Bangladesh produces around 10.36 lakh tonnes of jackfruit annually, with 1.26 lakh tonnes coming from Rajshahi division alone.

Besides food and timber, jackfruit trees offer multiple other benefits. The leaves are a good source of fodder for goats, and the trees produce sticky latex that can be used as glue. The trees are also more economical and easier to cultivate compared to other staple crops, as they do not require replanting every year.

Dr Islam described jackfruit as the largest tree-borne fruit in the country, rich in protein, sugar, and various vitamins essential for the human body.

Citing his research, he stated that every 100 grams of ripe jackfruit provides 1.6 grams of protein, raw jackfruit 2.08 grams, and jackfruit seeds 6.8 grams.

He further noted that raw jackfruit supports disease resistance and strengthens the immune system. It helps fight cancer and contains minerals important for bone health and blood sugar regulation. Additionally, the fruit offers substantial antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals.

Experts collectively stressed that adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), adoption of modern packaging and processing technologies, and development of value-added products will open new opportunities for jackfruit consumption and exports.

Such efforts will ensure fair prices for farmers, promote nutritional security, and contribute significantly to the national economy.