mangalore today

Mangaluru: Jackfruit fair attracts hoardes to a feast - ’Halasina mela’


Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 28, 2015:   The  "jackfruit day"  fair organised by Karnataka Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Sciences University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department and Canara Bank June 27 -28 proved to be a sell out on the first day. The   ’Halasina mela’ attracted hoardes of local citizens who appreciated it very much, the second day on June 28 Sunday is expected to be a big draw.


 

Jackfruit


Jackfruit

 

Jackfruit

 

Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit

 


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit


Jackfruit

 

 

Value-added products of jackfruit were also a big draw at the venue. Papad, chips, juice, jam and halwa - all made from jackfruit - were on sale.   For most each and every part of jackfruit is used.  At least 40 varieties of mouth watering dishes can be prepared from tender jackfruit and ripe jackfruits. Halwa, cake, ksheera, podi, tender jackfruit podi, chattambade from seeds and the like.  Ready to cook dried tender jackfruit flakes. One person from Puttur has come out with burfi/chikki from jackfruit seeds, "chakkuli" from jackfruit flakes. From Uppinangady  a person preparing the jackfruit juice for the last two years was also there. The squash made of jackfruit can be preserved for two years in the refrigerator. By adding water to the squash in proportion, juice is ready.   

Apart from this, "happala," tender jackfruit pickle, jam, halwa, chips and other delicacies were on sale.

Many varieties of jackfruits were  on sale some of them are: Rudraksha, Deevige halasu, Mundu halasu, Shirthadi halasu, Ekadashi, Bangarada halasu.

Halasu Belegarara Sangha of Toobugere in Doddaballapura have come all the way to Mangaluru to introduce the varieties of Chandra, Surya and Rudraksha to the Port City.  A total of 10 persons have come with five tonnes of jackfruits for sale. Speaking after inaugurating the fair, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that jackfruit is a poor man’s food.  There is a need to create awareness on traditional food system which are known for its heakth giving medicinal and food value.

The main intention of this halasu mela is to send a message to farmers that it is possible to earn income by making value-addition to the well known jack fruit.   Ten farmers who have been practicing integrated farming under the guidance of KVK-Vittal Gowda, Anush, Canute Aranha, Pashupathi Gowda, Anitha Naik, Harikrishna, Ajith Kumar, Wilbert Noronha, Michael Rodrigues and Hariyappa Gowda were felicitated on the occasion.