Monkey Jack (Artocarpus Lacucha): A Multipurpose Agroforestry Tree for Sustainability

Monkey Jack, botanically known as Artocarpus Lacucha a tree belonging to the Moraceae family, with members including jackfruit and mulberry, is a versatile multipurpose tree from moist countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Myanmar. This tree is appreciated for its contribution to its environment, economy, and nutrient levels. Monkey Jack commonly grows in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand as it thrives in warm climates and is well adaptable to different soil conditions. Its spreading crown, rich foliage, and robust growth make it an integral component of agroforestry systems.

It is a symbol of sustainability as it provides large amounts of resources and benefits the ecological balance. The maximum height that this tree could reach is 15 meters, having large, leathery leaves that are briefly deciduous in some areas. Their fruits are round and smooth, changing from green when unripe to bright yellow or pinkish when ripened. The tree has a dark brown bark with milky latex, and fragrant flowers that support natural insect pollination. Despite such potential, It is underutilized and often limited to traditional practices in rural areas.

Monkey Jack: A Tree with Multipurpose Uses

Monkey Jack's extraordinary adaptability has earned it a spot in agroforestry systems. Its fruits, fodder, timber, medicinal qualities, and bark that produces dye are all advantageous to farmers and communities. The matured fruits of the trees are eaten raw and are also made into pickles, sauces, and chutneys. Its fruit pulp is a natural liver tonic that is high in antioxidants and hepatoprotective. Its therapeutic uses include anti-aging treatments, skin care products, and anti-inflammatory therapy. Its bark and roots have long been used in traditional medicine formulations by tribal groups in areas such as Jharkhand.

Monkey Jack leaves, which have a crude protein content of up to 28.6%, are a highly prized raw material for cattle. They are therefore a great choice for increasing the amount of milk produced by dairy cows, particularly in dry months when there aren't many other feed options available. Its latex has useful uses as a glue, and its hard, termite-resistant wood is frequently used in furniture, boat building, and construction.

Ecological and Nutritional Importance

This tree is useful in sustainable farming because it can improve soil health, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity. Monkey Jack thrives in warm, humid climates with deep, permeable soils and can grow well in regions with seasonal droughts. It is important in intercropping systems as it provides shade and creates a microclimate that promotes the growth of other crops.

Nutritional-wise, the fruits and leaves of this tree are a storehouse of health benefits. Pulp is rich in dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamins, while the seeds and latex are rich in antioxidants. Regular consumption of its fruit can promote liver health, support digestion, and act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. These properties make it a key resource for both human health and livestock productivity.

Economic Value for Agricultural Communities

Monkey Jack offers smallholder farmers a dependable source of revenue and food. Up to 200 kg of fodder can be produced annually from a single tree, greatly lowering the cost of feed for animals. The market value of green fodder is Rs 300/ quintal and fruit is Rs 175/kg. It requires little care due to its resistance to pests and diseases, and its timber and fruits provide further sources of income. Because Monkey Jack increases soil fertility and lessens reliance on chemical inputs, it supports land sustainability in agroforestry systems.

Furthermore, the tree is a great asset in climate-resilient farming because of its resistance to environmental stressors including drought and poor soil conditions. Its broad application could contribute to rural development and poverty reduction by reducing fodder shortages, enhancing livestock health, and raising farm output.

*(Fluctuation of price range can happen due to the area and availability of the commodity)

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Despite all the benefits, Monkey Jack faces some challenges such as seed viability and overexploitation. The seeds lose their germination potential within days, which makes the propagation process difficult. Traditional vegetative propagation by rooting cuttings has been a failure. Therefore, the population of Monkey Jack trees is declining, and urgent conservation measures are needed.

Propagation techniques research, such as budding and advanced nursery practices, are critical initiatives for conserving this species. Moreover, awareness among farmers on its economic and ecological potential could encourage the farming of the species on a larger scale.

With enormous ecological, nutritional, and financial significance, the Monkey Jack is a multipurpose agroforestry species. Its fruits, feed, and therapeutic qualities help with environmental issues and dietary requirements. It promotes sustainable farming and raises rural incomes while adapting to a variety of soil types and climates. Agricultural communities can attain increased resilience, production, and sustainability by adopting its cultivation.