Jackfruit, the national fruit of Bangladesh, is not just a seasonal fruit but a name for great potential in nutrition security, the rural economy and agriculture-based industry. It is grown in almost every district, but Gazipur, Narsingdi, Mymensingh, Tangail and the hill region are the main centres of production. Because it is easily available, tasty and has many uses, a strong agro-industrial sector could grow around it.

Jackfruit is very rich in nutrients. Ripe jackfruit is high in carbohydrates and gives instant energy. Its vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre play important roles in the body's functions. Vitamin A protects eyesight, while vitamin C boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant. The fibre improves digestion and helps prevent constipation. The protein, iron and B-complex vitamins in the seeds can also help prevent anaemia.

Its health value is considerable too. Its potassium helps control blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease. Green jackfruit has a relatively low glycaemic index, so it may be good for people with diabetes. Its antioxidants protect the body from harmful free radicals, which helps reduce cancer risk in the long term.

Jackfruit has many uses in the food culture. Green jackfruit is cooked as a curry and is known as "tree meat". Ripe jackfruit is eaten as it is and also made into jam, jelly, juice, ice cream and chips. The seeds are popular fried, mashed or in curries. The leaves are used as cattle feed and the wood for furniture. These many uses have made jackfruit a complete economic resource.

The big challenge against this potential is storage. Jackfruit is highly perishable, and for lack of enough cold storage and modern preservation, a huge amount of fruit goes to waste, so farmers are denied a fair price. This waste could be cut considerably by spreading upazila- and district-level cold storage and low-cost preservation technology.

Processing holds jackfruit's greatest potential. Chips, powder, frozen pulp and canned products made from jackfruit could create huge demand in international markets. In particular, with the global spread of vegan diets, green jackfruit is gaining popularity as a "meat substitute", which is a big opportunity for Bangladesh.

Gazipur leads the country in jackfruit production, and its jackfruit has already been recognised as a geographical indication (GI) product. Building jackfruit research and a processing industry in Gazipur could open a new horizon for the national economy. A modern value chain linking research institutions, universities and industry is urgently needed.

The sector cannot develop without policy support. Tax rebates, subsidies, easy loans and export incentives would encourage entrepreneurs to invest. At the same time, quality control, better packaging and adherence to international standards must be ensured.

Export prospects are very bright. Demand for jackfruit is rising in the Middle East, Europe and North America. But competing in international markets requires quality processing, phytosanitary certification and an efficient logistics system.

Training farmers, supplying improved seedlings, controlling pests and diseases and spreading modern farming methods can play an important role in raising production. Market linkages and financial support for entrepreneurs must also be ensured.

In short, jackfruit is not just a fruit but an important asset for Bangladesh's economy, nutrition and agricultural development. With proper planning, the use of technology and coordinated efforts, a jackfruit-based industry can be built. What is needed now is effective action to turn this potential into reality.

The writer is a teacher; founding president, Bangladesh Government Secondary Teachers' Association (Agriculture); and joint general secretary of the central committee of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA).

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.