The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today hosted a webinar and a fair to highlight the advancements in jackfruit processing and marketing in Bangladesh.
The event, featuring key participants such as Jingyuan Xia, executive secretary of the OCOP Secretariat, and Wahida Akter, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Chairperson of the OCOP National Task Force, is part of the FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, reads a press release.
The webinar covered a range of topics, including the implementation of OCOP in Asia and the Pacific region, specific developments in Bangladesh, and the jackfruit value chain.
It also explored the role of micro and small-scale entrepreneurship, and private sector engagement in enhancing the jackfruit industry.
Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, highlighted the organization’s efforts to promote jackfruit since the OCOP initiative was launched last year.
“We aim to improve the livelihoods and economic growth of jackfruit farmers, minimize resource use, reduce waste, and lessen environmental impacts,” Shi said.
Wahida Akter emphasised the national importance of jackfruit, noting its nutritional value and potential for processing and value addition.
“Jackfruit significantly contributes to the nutrition of our people and has enormous potential in both domestic and international markets,” she said.
The webinar also showcased the achievements of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), which has developed six jackfruit varieties, including year-round producers BARI Kathal 3 and BARI 6. BARI has also created technologies for processed jackfruit products such as fresh cuts, chips, pickles, jams, and jellies.
Over 300 jackfruit farmers and market actors have been trained in improved production, post-harvest handling, processing, and value addition techniques.
The event, attended by agronomists, researchers, technical experts, private sector representatives, and national government officials, serves as a platform to share knowledge and promote sustainable jackfruit production.
It also aims to raise awareness of the OCOP initiative and encourage other countries to adopt similar approaches for their Special Agricultural Products (SAPs).
The fair, open to the public from 4-6 July at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) premises, seeks to promote entrepreneurship in the jackfruit market, showcasing both fresh and processed products.
