Karnataka farmer to earn Rs 10 lakh from jackfruit tree his father planted 35 years ago

SS Paramesha of Chelur village in Karnataka's Tumakuru district has been nominated as the 'custodian of genetic diversity' after his jackfruit tree received immense attention for its unique traits.

The jackfruit tree was planted 35 years ago by Paramesha's father SK Siddappa.

What distinguishes this unique jackfruit from others is that it consists of coppery red flakes which have a high nutritional value and are healthy for consumption.

It's known that the fruit will now be sold at a higher market price because of its unique health benefiting qualities.

Paramesha did not have the knowledge of how to multiply this variety of jackfruit, so Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) has signed a Memorandum with him where scientists would help him multiply the fruit and get the produce in abundance.

The IIHR, however, will not only be selling the saplings under its banner but also provide 75 per cent of the proceeds to the farmer.

"All of us knew that it was a unique variety as there was a great demand for the fruits from this tree from all our friends and relatives. But we always gave them away as gifts. We never sold a single one," the farmer who will be earning around Rs 10 lakh from this distinctive jackfruit told The Hindu.

"The institute has already received an order for 10,000 saplings. The sales are said to begin in two months," said IIHR Director MR Dinesh.

The jackfruit has turned out to be really lucky for Paramesha and he has decided to call it 'Siddu' after his father.

Tumakuru is also the person who identified this unique variety of jackfruit.

The average jackfruit is said to weigh 10-20 kg. However this anti-oxidant rich 'Siddu' weighs just 2.44 kg.