Jackfruit Promotion Council (JPC) Formed
Press Release 26-12-2011
Jackfruit Promotion Council (JPC) Formed
NABARD support offered by CGM for State wide initiatives
Thiruvananthapuram: As a follow-up to the National Jackfruit Festival 2011 organized by leading voluntary organizations and local Self government Institutions (LSGIs) in association with State Horticulture Mission and NABARD in Thiruvananthapuram which attracted wide attention, the participants have come together to form Jackfruit Promotion Council (JPC) for the promotion of Jackfruit in the context of food security and production of value added products for wider consumption. A 25-member Governing council with Mr. Rufus Daniel, Vice President, District Panchayat Thiruvananthapuram as the Chairperson was elected. The other officials are: Dr.K. Prathapan, Director, State Horticulture Mission (SHM), Dr. Mary Ukru, Proffessor, Department of Home Science,College of Agriculture, Vellayani (Vice Chairpersons),Mr. L. Pankajakshan, Director, Santhigram (General Secretary), Mr. V. Manilal,(Secretary-Administration), Mrs. R. Saralakumari (Secretary-Finance).
Mr. K.C. Shashidhar, Chief General Manager, NABARD lauded the efforts of the JPC and offered assistance for State level Training of Trainers Program (ToT) and support for innovation in development of the sector in association with SHM. Faculty from Agriculture University, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, NGOs and activists engaged in Jackfruit promotion will be the resource persons. The participants in the training will also be provided relevant skills in entrepreneurship. . He suggested that Producers Organisation should be set up for establishment of units for production and marketing of value added products from Jackfruit. Mr. C.P. John, Member, State Planning Board, interacted with the participants and offered wholehearted support.
The JPC is aimed at working with Government institutions, LSGIs, Non Governmental Organizations, farmer groups, SHGs and Residential Associations for the cause of Jackfruit which is wasted to a large extent.
Membership is open to institutions and individuals interested in the promotion of Jackfruit. For further details,
contact Phone No: 0471-2269780, 6452511,9287548234
E-mail: jackfruitfestkerala@gmail.com or jackpromotioncouncil@gmail.com. Web: www.jackfruitfest.org.