Tura, June 13: The Techno Incubation Centre (TIC) for Jackfruit Processing at the College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Tura, successfully conducted a four-day hands-on training programme on Jackfruit Processing from 10th to 13th June 2025.
The programme brought together officers from the Department of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, officials from ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), and a few established entrepreneurs, focusing on enhancing their capacities in jackfruit value addition. The training was sponsored by the Directorate of Food Processing, Government of Meghalaya.
The training was designed to address the challenges of post-harvest wastage by promoting effective utilization of jackfruit through value-added products. Participants received theoretical inputs on food safety standards, hygiene practices, and marketing strategies, followed by intensive practical sessions on the preparation of products such as ready-to-cook tender jackfruit, papad, chips, mixture, squash, jackfruit seed and bulb flour, and pickle.
The Valedictory Function was graced by Vibhor Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he lauded the efforts of the College and the Techno Incubation Centre in addressing a critical local issue through scientific and community-based solutions. He emphasized that jackfruit, being an abundant but underutilized fruit in the region, has the potential to transform rural livelihoods if properly harnessed.
Aggarwal encouraged the trainees to act as change agents by sharing their knowledge and skills with local farmers and entrepreneurs, thereby creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment and employment generation in the region. He also assured continued support from the district administration in facilitating such developmental initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean of the College, highlighted the vast but untapped potential of jackfruit in the region. She pointed out that Meghalaya is home to an estimated 4 to 5 lakh jackfruit tree, with the Garo Hills being particularly rich in this resource. Yet, due to inadequate processing infrastructure and limited market access, approximately 10.87 lakh metric tonnes of jackfruit—valued at around ₹434 crores are wasted each season across the state.
Dr. Vastrad emphasized the urgent need for post-harvest management and value addition to reduce this significant loss and to turn it into an economic opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs.
The training programme was meticulously coordinated by Dr. Natasha R. Marak, Associate Professor, and Dr. Ch. Basanti Devi, Assistant Professor, who have both been instrumental in popularizing jackfruit-based technologies in the region for more than a decade. Their sustained efforts have led to the development of context-specific training modules and hands-on demonstrations tailored to local needs.
This initiative is part of Mission Jackfruit, which aims to unlock the economic potential of jackfruit, reduce wastage, and promote rural entrepreneurship through scientific intervention, skill development, and active community participation. The programme has laid a strong foundation for collaborative efforts in building a sustainable jackfruit-based agro-economy in the region.
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