Mangalore: City gets a taste of delicious jackfruits at annual fest

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Jun 28: College of Fisheries here was abuzz with activity on Friday June 28 as scores of people flocked to the venue to witness the 4th annual Jackfruit Fest-2013.

The stall of Ravi Kumar MG was thronged by many to relish the taste of jackfruit which is grown in Toobugere’s Hobli in 74 villages.

"Jackfruits which are neglected today, used to be a lucrative income in the earlier days especially for fruit cultivators," said Ravi Kumar, secretary of Toobugere jackfruit Growers Association.

His stall was stocked with four types of jackfruits of various sizes. Talking on the various types of jackfruits, Kumar said, “Currently we have showcased four types of jackfruits, they are 'Haladi Rudrakshi, Kempu Rudrakshi, Chandra Halasu, and Bangara Halasu'."

"We also supply jackfruit throughout the nation when we get orders. We collect jackfruit from 74 villages of Toobugere’s Hobli. The fruit is grown on 3500 trees," he said.

"The ‘Toobugere’ jackfruit plant costs Rs 150, and the plant yields fruit even after five years. The fruit is 80% latex free," he said.

There were 26 stalls at the jackfruit fest and jackfruit products were available to all the visitors.

“The jackfruit of coastal region is equal to the fruits grown in other regions,” says Shruthi, a housewife, after relishing the taste of a jam sample by Renuka Vijayan, owner of ‘Kumbla’s Jackfruit Products’, which won the third prize at the state level jackfruit fest held recently at Brahmavar.

Sirsi Sharathchandra V Hegde’s stall was set up with jackfruit products like jackfruit papad, sweet and spicy chips and other products made from jackfruit.

People from across the city and outskirts attended the fest.

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