Kerala’s jackfruit revolution: From waste to a thriving crore-worth industry

Vadakara: The era when most jackfruit fell and went to waste, serving no purpose, is now fading. Today, there’s a growing demand for jackfruit, and value-added products are thriving in the market. The jackfruit industry, once overlooked, is now worth crores. The reality is that jackfruit is no longer what it once was.

In 2018, when jackfruit was declared Kerala's official fruit, the state produced 60 crore jackfruits, with more than half going to waste. Back then, only 10% of jackfruit was used for value-added production. Today, the situation has changed. According to estimates from industry groups, 60-70% of jackfruit is now being utilised, with 30-35% of this being processed into value-added products. Every year, between 1,000 and 1,500 tonnes of jackfruit are transformed into value-added products and introduced into the market.

Entrepreneurs share their experience
Ten years ago, Artocarpus Food Private Limited, based in Taliparamba, Kannur, began its jackfruit-based business with an annual collection of just 10 tonnes of jackfruit. Today, they collect 500 tonnes annually. The price for collecting one kilo of jackfruit ranges from Rs 15 to Rs 25. Subhash Koroth, the MD of Artocarpus, shared that they now have a cold storage system in place, allowing them to collect jackfruit during the season and produce products year-round.

P J Johnson, the owner of Anna Foods Products in Meenangadi, Wayanad, noted a major change in jackfruit consumption patterns. Twelve years ago, he processed only four or five tonnes of jackfruit annually, but now he processes 150 tonnes each year into value-added products. Both jackfruit and jackfruit bulbs are sourced, with raw jackfruit bulbs priced at Rs 70 per kilo.

Such industrial ventures are elevating the value of jackfruit, which would otherwise have gone to waste. However, jackfruit-based industries remain relatively limited in Kerala, with large-scale establishments few and far between. Most small units operate only during the season.

‘Jackfruit Group’ leads the way
Formed in 2018, a WhatsApp group called 'Chakkakootam' (Jackfruit Group’) was established under the leadership of Anil Jose from Nilambur. The aim was to connect jackfruit producers, traders and industries to ensure every jackfruit is used productively. Today, the Jackfruit Group has WhatsApp groups in local body institutions across Kerala, with around 1,400 groups and nearly 40,000 members. The group plays a crucial role in ensuring that jackfruit from regions of abundance reaches areas in need.

Headquartered in Pattimattam, Ernakulam, the Jackfruit Group formed Jackfruit Group International Private Limited, which began producing value-added products. The main product is vacuum-fried chips, a highly sought-after item due to its low oil content. During the season, the company collects up to three tonnes of jackfruit daily from farmers. They also organise monthly training sessions in jackfruit product manufacturing. Many small-scale enterprises have been set up by those who have completed such training.

According to coordinator Anil Jose, the Jackfruit Group’s biggest achievement is demonstrating that jackfruit, once considered waste, can indeed hold good value.