Four Jackfruit Varieties From Karnataka Registered Under PPFRA

There are many varieties of jackfruit available across the country. Recently four unique varieties of jackfruit were registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPFRA) that are mainly found in the Malenadu region of Karnataka.

The varieties that were recently registered are Haladi Rudrakshi, orange-RPN, Kempu Rudrakshi and red RTB. According to reports, a comprehensive study was conducted on the four varieties for more than four years. Following the study, the required documents were submitted to the PPFRA for registration. The sites and the varieties were inspected by the experts appointed by the PPFRA who recommended the registration of the varieties. Following the procedure the processes were completed and proper certificates were issued.

Dr AK Singh, plant Variety Examiner at the authority’s branch office in south India stated that each jackfruit variety was scientifically studied before issuing the certificate. He mentioned that this step would be of great help to the farmers in every way. He said, “The protection of these varieties and conserving them would highly benefit the farmers. When the commercial production of these varieties starts the farmers who have recently obtained the certificates will also get financial benefits. On the other hand, if the farmers of the protected varieties face any loss, they deserve compensation as per government rules.”

Ananthamurthy Javali, a jackfruit farmer, mentioned that the Haladi Rudrakshi variety contains more pulp than other varieties that are widely found in the market. He added that a tree can bear up to 300 fruits a year and the fruits don’t get affected by rain.

Prakash Nayak of Anandapura in Sagar taluk who received the certification for the orange-RPN variety said, “The trees start bearing fruits after around four years of planting it. The fruits are generally larger compared to other varieties and each weighs around 15 kilos.” He added that each tree can bear 25 to 35 fruits in a year.

Devaraj of Varakodu in Hosanagar taluk received the certification of the Kempu Rudrakshi variety while Rajendra T. got the registration for the red RTB variety.