A Non Governmental Organisation, Women In Nature Conservation Organisation, (WINCO) has harped on the need to incorporate Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) in the general food system in Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of WINCO, Mrs Eme Udoh made the call in a press conference in Uyo yesterday during the maiden exhibition of jackfruit value chain products in Nigeria tagged: “Jackfruit Fair.”
Udoh regretted that despite the numerous benefits of jackfruit, it remained underused, undervalued and underutilized in Nigeria saying, it could be as a result of gaps in processing, distribution and knowledge about its utilization methods, nutritional and nutraceutical value.
She said research has shown the importance of the tree and fruits, ranging from food and medicine to the provision of several value-added products such as “carbon sequestration trees on earth.”
She further said that jackfruit which is rich in important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium and many other nutrients boosts the immune system , protect against cancer, aids in digestion, maintain a healthy eye and skin, lower blood pressure, prevent anaemia, treat asthma, strengthen the bones and maintain a healthy thyroid.
She, however, unveiled 13 jackfruits products ranging from seedling, fruits, Nuts, chips, smoothie juice, Jackvita(swallow), flour and the Jack supplement.
Her words, “In spite of the many benefits the plant offers, Jackfruit is underused, undervalued and underutilized. It should be sufficiently incorporated in the general food system.”
The WINCO Chief whose organisation focuses on environmental conservation and regeneration observed that climate and biodiversity crises are directly affecting communities in Nigeria and Africa, and called for aggressive development of Jackfruit plantations locally and regionally as such would provide ecosystem services and build climate resilience.
She revealed that her team has trained 84 women from three communities in Essien Udim local government on the cultivation of Jackfruit.
While calling on the governor, pastor Umo Eno to adopt Jackfruit Plantation development as part of the ARISE Agenda strategic action plan and the Policy makers to support the innovation for the overall well being of the people.
she pledged to distribute 500 seedlings of Jackfruit as a takeoff for cottage industries that would be sited in one of the villages.
