Value Addition to Artocarpus chama Buch. Fruit for Economic Empowerment of the Rural Community Residing in North East India

Abstract

Artocarpus chama Buch. Syn. A. chaplasha Linn.( Moraceae), an indigenous fruit of North Eastern (NE) region of India. Samkathal pulp is eaten afresh and possesses high nutritional value. It has also has been reported to contain antioxidant properties. The seeds are also rich source of carbohydrates and proteins and average source of fibre. In spite of these fruits provide enormous health benefits, it is under utilized in our country due to its seasonal availability and very short shelf life. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve and prepare fruit products for better utilization of the fruits by overcoming the problem of wastage. In the present study this fruit was processed to produce many value added products and to train rural communities on value addition. These products have good consumer demand because of its nutritional and medicinal value. It has more demand for development of diversified value added products from the fruits. It provides the employment opportunity for rural mass, increases export demand of value added products and helps in increase the economy of the country.