India Post Released Special Cover on Jackfruit Products Under ODOP Scheme

The ODOP scheme is being implemented throughout the country as part of the PM formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) Scheme, which the Ministry of Food Processing Industries launched under the banner of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.'

The ODOP crop of Kerala's Pathanamthitta district is jack fruit. The release recognises the pioneering efforts of ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, CARD, Pathanamthitta in transforming Jackfruit from the most "wasted fruit" to Kerala's "State Fruit." Pathanamthitta Head Post Office released the special cover.

In his inaugural address, Rt. Rev Thomas Mar Timotheos Episcopa, Chairman, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pathanamthitta, emphasised the KVK's efforts to re-define Jack fruit. He also stated that the Processing technologies developed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pathanamthitta are providing employment opportunities for a large number of people and entrepreneurs.

He emphasised that India Post's release of a special cover for Jackfruit products will greatly aid the spread of technologies among the rural population.

According to. K. K. Devis, Director of Postal Services, value addition of jackfruit has dramatically increased demand for jackfruit and the income realised by growers.

According to Dr. Jacob John, Director of Extension at Kerala Agricultural University, the ODOP scheme assists farmers in increasing their profits through processing and value addition of their agricultural produce.

The KVK has created over 25 commercial jackfruit processing technologies and has assisted in establishing 17 jackfruit processing entrepreneurs who sell their products in domestic and international markets.

The KVK assists new entrepreneurs in developing and producing jackfruit processed products. Staff from the Postal Department, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Pathanamthitta, and members of the general public attended the ceremony.