‘Siddu’ jackfruit ideal for small and big farms: Karnataka CM
Tumkur farmer has earned Rs 22 lakh in 2 years from the superior jackfruit variety
BENGALURU:
Giving a push to the ‘Siddu’ variety of jackfruit, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said the nutrient-rich variety is suitable for small and commercial farming. He was speaking on Monday at a collaborative plant development programme, where a sapling of the ‘Siddu’ jackrfruit was presented to him.
The CM said the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research of ICAR, New Delhi has been researching varieties of jackfruits and has identified the superior jackfruit variety in the farm of SS Paramesh in Chelur village of Tumkur district. In fact, the CM expressed interest in growing the ‘Siddu’ variety on his Shikaripura farm.
King of jackfruits
This variety, with coppery red-coloured flakes, has substantial nutritional and medicinal properties and is considered the best among various jackfruit varieties in the country. One lakh saplings have been distributed by ICAR-IIHR to 31,000 farmers across India, including in Karnataka.
SS Paramesh, who is currently growing ‘Siddu’ jackfruit saplings, has earned a gross income of Rs 22 lakhs in just two years, and has proved that farmers can double their income by growing the variety while also preserving biodiversity.
BS Basavaraju, MP, Dr BNS Murthy, IIHR Director, Hesaraghatta, Dr G Karunakaran, IIHR- CHES head, Hirehalli and Tumkur farmer Paramesh were among those present on the occasion.
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