Jackfruit industry booms: 200 crore business from jackfruit products

KOZHIKODE: Once seen as a neglected fruit, jackfruit has now transformed into a key contributor to Kerala’s economy, generating an impressive Rs 200 crore annually through value-added products.

Historically, of the estimated 60 crore jackfruits produced annually, nearly 38 crore would go to waste. However, this changed dramatically in 2018, when the Kerala government declared jackfruit as the official state fruit, prompting a wave of entrepreneurial interest in processing and product development.

Today, an average 10-kg jackfruit can yield value-added products worth at least Rs 600. Approximately 1.1 lakh tonnes of jackfruit are processed each year, resulting in about 6,600 tonnes of jackfruit bulbs being converted into commercially viable items.

The turning point came with the efforts of Anil Jose from Nilambur, who founded the WhatsApp-based collective Chakkakkoottam in 2018. With the mission of ensuring zero jackfruit wastage, the collective has since grown into a vital support system for entrepreneurs, helping with both procurement and product development.

The initiative has expanded across the state, with around 1,400 local groups operating under various panchayats and a combined membership of over 40,000 individuals.

From chips and jams to ice creams and savoury dishes, jackfruit-based products are now manufactured by more than 20 large-scale companies, around 200 small businesses, and over 1,000 cottage industries, cementing jackfruit's place as an economic powerhouse in Kerala.

Jackfruit-based products include:
Ice cream, payasam, unniyappam, halwa, puttu podi, thoran, jackfruit puzhukku, jackfruit varatti, chammanthi podi, achappam, papad, kondattam, pickle, squash, jackfruit cookies, jackfruit seed chutney, jackfruit seed pickle, jackfruit seed coffee, jackfruit jam

Health benefits:

• Reduces Blood Pressure: Potassium, fibre, and antioxidants in the jackfruit bulb help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
• Boosts Immunity: Helps reduce infections and strengthens the immune system.
• Strengthens Bones: Rich in magnesium and calcium.
• Aids Digestion: High fibre content promotes healthy digestion.
• Nutritious Seeds: Jackfruit seeds are rich in protein and minerals.

“If we work together, this can grow into a Rs 40,000 crore industry.”
— Anil Jose,
Coordinator, Chakkakkoottam