PHOTOS: Processed jackfruit products
by Shree Padre 1. Pathanamthitta CARD KVK has standardized a dozen technologies for value addition of jackfruits. Out of this 3 are very important – Dehydration of Tender Jack Fruit, Unripe Jackfruit & Seed. These are called primary processing methods. Once JF is primary processed, it can be straightawayContinue Reading
Banana Fusarium Wilt: Return of the Catastrophic Plant Disease
Based on a presentation by Dr. Altus Viljoen during the TFNet Workshop on ‘Enhancing Market Access for Tropical Fruits in East Africa and GCC Countries through Quality Improvement, Proper Post Harvest Handling and Pest and Disease Management’ in Khartoum, Sudan on 4-5 March 2015. Half a century ago, theContinue Reading
India’s Unique Treasure: Red Fleshed Jackfruit
‘Toobugere Jackfruit Growers Association’ of Karnataka , India, is the only jackfruit farmers’ organisation of our country. Located in Bangalore Rural district, about an hour’s drive from Bangalore city, this association was formed by University of Agriculture Sciences, Bangalore. Members of the association take part in jack festivals in differentContinue Reading
Research Needs to Align with Commercial Practice: Alternative Concept for Market Access Protocol
The main challenges in developing tropical fruit for the export market are to ensure availability throughout most of the year for seasonal fruits, and to produce quality products that are in compliance to market access protocols of the importing countries. As the consumer demand for horticultural products increasesContinue Reading
Strategy for Combating Fusarium Wilt in Bananas through Conventional Breeding, GMOs and Cultivation Techniques
Currently banana is grown on an area of 300,000 ha in China, with Guangdong province topping the list with about 120,000 ha. China’s banana industry is built on the Cavendish variety which, occupies more than 90% of planted area. The Giant Cavendish clone ‘Baxi’ is the most popular variety, occupyingContinue Reading
Lychee production in Vietnam
The Lychee (Litchi chinensis) is cultivated in China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Australia, Mexico and South Africa. China is the main producer of the fruit. In Vietnam, lychee is produced at an estimated area of 80,000 hectares. The main growing areas are inContinue Reading
Rose apple: crunchy and refreshing tropical fruit
The name rose apple may refer to any of the following fruits in the Syzygium species, such as Syzygium aqueum, S. jambos, S. malaccense, and S. samarangense. Like other fruits named “apple”, the rose apple does not resemble the apple fruit. “Rose apple” might be derived from the fruit’s taste:Continue Reading
Soursop: beyond the fruit juice
Prized for its delectable taste and juicy pulp, soursop is a popular fruit in South America and in some parts of South East Asia. The fruits are consumed fresh but are mostly grown commercially to produce juice, puree, ice cream, sorbet, and other processed products. Soursop is rich in ascorbicContinue Reading
Therapeutic values of superfruits, beyond nutrition and their value addition for commercialization
Superfruits are fruits that are not only full of nutrients, but are also rich in fiber and polyphenols that can help people live longer, look better, and prevent diseases. While different sectors still argue about its exact definition, it is generally agreed upon that superfruits are low-calorie, nutrient-rich foodContinue Reading
FIJI: Nature’s Way Cooperative launches certified ‘Fiji Red’ papaya seed
by Kyle Stice* The Fiji Papaya industry will now have access to locally produced, high quality papaya seed at a more affordable rate. NWC in close collaboration with the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture Research Division has developed a certification scheme for the production and sale of ‘Fiji Red’ papayaContinue Reading
The dabai story: experience in commercializing an underutilized fruit
Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum Miq.) is an indigenous fruit from the Burseracea family enjoyed in the communities of Sarawak (Borneo), Malaysia with the potential for commercial production. The fruit is sought after for its delicious creamy taste and pleasant aroma and is rich in protein, fat, and minerals. Despite beingContinue Reading
