Muhammad Saleem

 Jackfruit farming can revolutionize agriculture and boost exports in Pakistan. Dr. Ijaz Ahmed of the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, told WealthPk that jackfruit is considered a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in calcium, potassium, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

He said that it has become well-established in forest-rich countries like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, where its cultivation is widespread. Currently, he said, jackfruit is making inroads into Pakistan’s farming community as it requires minimal water. He added that the eastern regions of Sindh and the southern parts of Baluchistan are fertile ground for its cultivation.

Health-conscious consumers are showing keen interest in this fruit, providing us an opportunity to export fresh produce, processed products, and even its seeds. Ensuring consistent quality, proper packaging, and adherence to international standards is imperative, he added. Sajid Sandhu, an agriculturist, told WealthPk that jackfruit is able to weather Pakistan’s climate and adapt well to local conditions. He said that successful experiments have already seen the light of day in different parts of the country, especially in Central Punjab and Sindh.

He said that this fruit can thrive in different types of soil, whether sandy, loamy or well-drained. Even in slightly saline soil, it can produce positive results. “Since it is relatively easy to cultivate in Pakistan, we should keep an eye on the picture and grow it to meet global demands,” he suggested.

“I always say that we should ‘Grow for the World’--a slogan that must be set in stone. When we grow jackfruit for the global market, we must focus on its value addition. We can earn foreign exchange by promoting its cultivation in Pakistan.” He noted that while jackfruit has yet to gain popularity in Pakistan due to its taste, global demand is surging rapidly.

The export potential for jackfruit is high, especially in the US, Canada, and many European countries. Although demand in the Middle East is relatively low, it can still establish a presence there. We must leave no stone unturned in identifying all potential markets, Sajid Sandhu said. He said that jackfruit is a jack-of-all-trades, as it is being used in various products like pulp, syrup, frozen pulp, and canned goods.

It is a highly nutritious fruit, and serves as a meat substitute. He said that it can easily grow with minimal fertilizer, water, and maintenance. He said that jackfruit plays a key role in carbon sequestration and this can last for a long period. Moreover, it is immune to diseases, which is a feather in its cap, he added.

“We must make all-out efforts to explore markets and make it marketable on a global scale to maximize foreign exchange earnings.” Jackfruit is not native to Pakistan, so it is difficult to say whether it will gain popularity in the local market or be widely consumed. However, I am sure that its export potential is high, and it could be a game-changer for our agriculture sector, he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk