NGO Unveils Jackfruit Value Chain

 

...Seeks Govt. Support/Sponsorship

Priscilla Akpanettot

A Non-governmental Organization has unveiled Jackfruit's value chain products to encourage the consumption and usage of the fruit by persons of all ages. In the Value Chain are seedling, fruits, nuts, roots, chips, smoothie juice, Jackvita (Swallow), flour and the Jack supplement.

The NGO, named WINCO (Women in Nature Conservation) is an indigenous women-led organisation dedicated to environmental conservation  regeneration, restoration, Agro-forestry renewable epergy, capacity building and mentoring  of future conservation leaders.

According to its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Emem Umoh who spoke at the maiden exhibition of the Jackfruit on Thursday, October 12, 2023; the NGO deemed it timely and necessary to organize the first ever exhibition of Jackfruit value chain products to showcase to Akwa Ibomites, Nigerians  and Africans its untapped potentials.

She described Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) as a widely cultivated fruit in tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide, with a characteristic flavor, delightful taste and highly versatile function ranging from food and medicine to the provision of several value-added products. 

"In spite of the many benefits the plant offers, Jackfruit is underused, undervalued and underutilized. It has not been sufficiently incorporated in the general food system, partly because of gaps in processing, distribution and knowledge about utilization methods and nutritional and nutraceutical value, and no other organization in Africa and within Nigeria is adding value to Jackfruit", she lamented.

Briefing members of the Press on the fruit's potentials, the Jackfruit Fair convener listed 10 health benefits of the fruit to include:  boosting the immune system, protection against cancer, aiding healthy digestion, maintenance of a healthy eye and skin, lowering blood pressure, boosting energy, treatment of asthma, prevention of anaemia, strengthening of the bones as well as the maintenance of a healthy thyroid.

"Jackfruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful nutrient which helps protect against viral and bacterial infections. Vitamin C helps to boost immune system by supporting the white blood cells function. One cup of jackfruit can supply the body with a very good amount of this powerful antioxidant".

"In addition to containing vitamin C, Jackfruit is also rich in phytonutrients, such as lignans, isoflavones and saponins, which are have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. These phytonutrients may help eliminate cancer-causing free radicals from the body and slow the degeneration of cells that can lead to degenerative diseases".

"Jackfruit is also known to contain anti-ulcer properties which help cure ulcers and digestive disorders. In addition, the present of high fiber in the jackfruit prevents constipation and helps in smooth bowel movements. These fibers also offer protection against colon mucous membrane by removing the carcinogenic chemicals from the large intestine (colon)".

"Jackfruit contains vitamin A, a powerful nutrient which is known to maintain a healthy eye and skin. It also helps prevent vision-related problems such as macular degeneration and night blindness".

"The potassium contained in jackfruit has been found to be helpful in lowering blood pressure and thus reducing the risk of heart attack as well as stroke".

"Jackfruit is considered as an energy boosting fruit due to the presence of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose which give you an almost immediate energy boost. Although jackfruit is an energy boosting fruit, it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, making it one of the healthy fruits to savor".

"The root of jackfruit has been found useful in helping those who suffer from asthma. To treat this condition, you need to boil the jackfruit root and drink it. Alternatively, you may use the extract of jackfruit root orally to treat asthma".

"The iron in jackfruit helps to prevent anemia and also helps in proper blood circulation in the body".

"Jackfruit is rich in magnesium, a nutrient which is important in the absorption of calcium and work with calcium to help strengthen the bone and prevent bone related disorders such as osteoporosis".

"Copper plays an important role in the thyroid metabolism, especially in hormone production and absorption. Also, copper is required for the synthesis of phospholipids, which are needed for the stimulation of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). Therefore, correct levels are vital to prevent thyroid problems, and jackfruit is loaded with this important micromineral", she explained.

"Jackfruit is also rich in important nutrient like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Magnesium and many other nutrients", she added.

"When the Jackfruit is opened, you will find the bright yellow pods (when ripe) which can be eaten raw or cooked. When unripe its flesh is green, and it can be made into a delicious vegetable dish", she disclosed. 

Regretting that the fruit production and value addition are relatively under-developed despite the fruit tree’s availability and high yield potential, high nutritional value, nutraceutical and techno-functional properties, Mrs. Umoh stated that the Fair

was the ideal forum to promote aggressive development of Jackfruit plantations locally and regionally, saying it would provide ecosystem services, promote sustainable livelihoods, provide employment, enhance food security and build climate resilience. 

"This exhibition will serve as a platform to engage, educate, train, empower, and provide sustainable livelihood options to Akwa Ibom people, Nigerians and Africans with comprehensive insight into the potentials and versatility of Jackfruit",  she informed.

On their own, the CEO alongside her team has trained eighty four (84) women from three (3) communities in Essien Udim Local Government Area where she comes from, and  inaugurated a 200-hectare plantation of Jackfruit trees, in collaboration with the Community Heads, as part of efforts to enhance livelihood and build resilience.

She therefore called on African leaders, policy makers, financiers, indigenous leaders, women leaders, practitioners and the private sector to support the innovation. 

Meanwhile, the Jackfruit campaigner has called on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno to adopt Jackfruit plantation development as part of the ARISE strategic action plan. 

She explained that the Governor's involvement in the project would go a long way in enhancing his agricultural development plans in the rural area, and donated 500 seedlings of the fruit as takeoff for any private or Government establishment who would key into Jackfruit farming.

"As an NGO, we are contributing our quota to the development of of our dear state by providing this platform where women and  young people could acquire some skills that could make them self-reliant. That's why we are trying to build cottage industries in one of the villages in the state. To achieve this we need industrial dryer and cutting machines and these are the areas we will need the government and other spirited individuals to come in to assist and provide some level of support to help us achieve these dream", she canvassed.

The Jackfruit Fair was graced by Prince Ukpong Akpabio, represented by Lady Imelda Otong; the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, represented by Barr. Iquo Abia; State Comptroller of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ntoide; Director, Climate Change of the State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Ini Umoh and a representative of FeyRep, Mrs. Aniefiok Jackson.

For Sponsorship, Partnership and Patronage on any of the value chain, Mrs. Emem Umoh can be reached via: 08060564026