Poor Man’s Food, Rich Man’s Diet – VC Byrappa on Jackfruit
Mangaluru: The Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University Prof K Byrappa inaugurated Halasu Mela 2016 at the Urban Hath, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Vamanjoor here, on July 16.
Prof Byrappa inaugurated the Halasu Mela by cutting a jackfruit. A stage programme was held after the inauguration of Halasu Mela. Prof Byrappa inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Byrappa said that in the olden days, jackfruit was food for the poor. “Now it has become the rich man’s diet. Jackfruit is good for controlling blood sugar. It is found in many varieties in our country. The jackfruit contains high fiber and it tastes good. In our district, we make various delicacies from jackfruit such as jams, ice-creams, halwas, pappads, chips, cakes and other food items.
He further said that, the government should encourage farmers who grow jackfruits. “To support the farmers, the government should form a ‘jackfruit farmers’ board’. Once the jackfruit saplings are planted, there are not many requirements needed for the tree to grow; it will also give fruits every year.”
Byrappa urged the people to visit Pilikula and support the farmers by purchasing their products which will be available on both days of the mela.
A workshop on farmers rights was also held during the mela. Veteran agriculturist Shree Padre spoke on the occasion. DC A B Ibrahim, H Jayaprakash Bhandary, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, D C Chowta, Nithesh Salian, Dr Venugopal and others were also present.
There were 35 to 40 varieties of jackfruits exhibited at Halasu Mela. Payasam from Jackfruit, Happala, cakes, halwa, chips, ice-cream and various varieties of products made from jackfruits are also available in the exhibition.