Kerala Jackfruit Production: Facts, Benefits, and Why It’s a Tropical Superfood
How Kerala Became the Jackfruit Capital of India: A Green Revolution . In this blog post, we’ll dive into Kerala’s jackfruit production, its benefits, farming practices, and why it’s gaining popularity worldwide as a versatile superfood.
Jackfruit, once a humble presence in every Malayali backyard, has officially claimed its throne. Recent agricultural data confirms what we in Kerala have always known: Kerala is the largest producer of jackfruit in India. With a staggering production of over 2.3 million metric tonnes in 2025, Kerala is not just leading the country but is also setting a global standard for organic and sustainable cultivation.
Jackfruit, scientifically known as Artocarpus heterophyllus, is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and a staple in tropical regions. In India, which is the global leader in jackfruit production with over 1.4 million metric tonnes annually, states like Odisha and Kerala dominate the landscape. While Odisha tops the list with approximately 312,000 metric tonnes, Kerala follows closely as a major contributor with around 263,000 metric tonnes per year. This makes Kerala a key player, especially given its cultural significance—jackfruit was declared the state fruit in 2018 to boost its promotion and utilization.
The Official Pride of Kerala
In 2018, the Government of Kerala declared the jackfruit as the Official State Fruit. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it was a strategic move to boost the branding of this “miracle fruit” and support local farmers. Today, that vision has turned into a billion-rupee industry.
Why Kerala Leads the Way
Kerala’s success in jackfruit production isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the environment and tradition:
- Perfect Climate: The tropical humid climate and fertile soil of the Western Ghats provide the ideal breeding ground for jackfruit trees.
- Organic by Nature: Most jackfruit in Kerala grows naturally in homesteads without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- Year-Round Availability: While most states have a short season, certain regions in Kerala produce jackfruit for up to 10 months a year.
From Waste to Wealth: The Rise of Value-Added Products
Years ago, a large portion of jackfruit went to waste. Today, Kerala has mastered the art of “value addition.” We are now seeing a surge in:
- Jackfruit Flour: A clinically proven aid for diabetes management.
- Vegan Meat: Tender jackfruit is exported globally as a meat substitute.
- Traditional Snacks: From Chakka Varuthathu (chips) to Chakka Varatti (jam), the traditional flavors are reaching international shelves in the USA, Europe, and UAE.
The Global Demand
The world is waking up to the health benefits of jackfruit—it’s high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, and great for gut health. Kerala’s farmers are now exporting value-added products to over 170 countries, helping the state earn significant foreign exchange.
Why Kerala Excels in Jackfruit Production
Kerala’s tropical climate, with abundant rainfall, high humidity, and fertile laterite soil, creates ideal conditions for jackfruit trees to thrive. These evergreen trees can grow up to 80 feet tall and bear fruit year-round, though the peak season is from March to June.
- Production Statistics: According to recent data, Kerala produces about 263,000 metric tonnes of jackfruit annually, accounting for a significant share of India’s total output. This places it just behind Odisha but ahead of states like Assam (212,000 MT) and West Bengal (207,000 MT).
- Varieties Grown: Popular varieties in Kerala include Varikka (firm, sweet flesh) and Koozha (soft, fibrous flesh), each suited for different culinary applications.
- Economic Impact: Jackfruit farming supports thousands of smallholder farmers in districts like Thrissur, Palakkad, and Pathanamthitta. With growing demand for jackfruit as a meat substitute in vegan diets, exports from Kerala are on the rise, contributing to the state’s economy.
| Top Jackfruit Producing States in India | Production (Thousand Metric Tonnes) |
|---|---|
| Odisha | 312 |
| Kerala | 263 |
| Assam | 212 |
| West Bengal | 207 |
| Chhattisgarh | 204 |
(Source: Agricultural export data and production reports)
Health Benefits of Jackfruit
Jackfruit isn’t just abundant in Kerala; it’s packed with nutrition, making it a favorite in local diets and beyond.
- Nutritional Profile: Rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. A 100g serving provides about 95 calories, mostly from natural sugars and carbs.
- Health Advantages:
- Aids digestion due to high fiber content.
- Supports immune health with vitamin C.
- Helps manage blood sugar levels, beneficial for diabetics.
- Acts as a natural energy booster.
- As a Meat Alternative: Unripe jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork or chicken, making it popular in vegan recipes worldwide.
Culinary Uses in Kerala
In Kerala, jackfruit (locally called “chakka”) is used in both ripe and unripe forms. From traditional dishes to modern innovations:
- Ripe Jackfruit: Eaten fresh or in desserts like chakka pradhaman (jackfruit pudding).
- Unripe Jackfruit: Cooked in curries, stir-fries, or as “chakka thoran” (stir-fried with coconut).
- Seeds and Other Parts: Seeds are boiled and used in snacks, while the leaves are sometimes used for wrapping food.
With the rise of processed products like jackfruit flour, chips, and canned meat substitutes, Kerala’s jackfruit industry is modernizing to meet global demands.
Sustainable Farming and Challenges
Jackfruit trees require minimal maintenance, making them eco-friendly. They improve soil health, provide shade, and support biodiversity. However, challenges include:
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall affects yields.
- Market Access: Farmers need better processing facilities for value-added products.
- Initiatives: The Kerala government promotes jackfruit through festivals like the annual Jackfruit Fest in Wayanad and subsidies for farmers.
Conclusion
Kerala may not be the absolute top producer, but its substantial output and cultural integration make it a jackfruit powerhouse in India. As global interest in sustainable, plant-based foods grows, Kerala’s jackfruit is poised for even greater prominence. If you’re visiting Kerala, don’t miss trying fresh chakka from a local farm—it’s a taste of tropical paradise! Kerala’s dominance in jackfruit production is a testament to how traditional crops can lead the way in modern agriculture. As we move forward, the “Jackfruit of Kerala” is set to become a global brand, proving that the most sustainable solutions often grow right in our own backyards.
For more on Indian agriculture, check out our posts on coconut production or spice farming in Kerala. Share your jackfruit recipes in the comments below!
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