KOCHI: James Joseph, founder of Jackfruit 365, on Friday said the state government which announced `5 crore for research on jackfruit in its first budget was yet to spend a single penny till now. He, however, said the announcement got the much-required publicity on the benefits of jackfruit, which was considered a 'waste fruit' till then. "Though I am sad that no fund from the Rs 5-crore allotment has so far been used to promote demand for jackfruit in the state, this is the first sign of hope," Joseph said.
The recent announcement of jackfruit as the state's official fruit also got the fruit national and international acclaim, he said participating in a session at the All Kerala Management Associations Summit and Annual National Management Convention here.
The Agriculture Ministry has now invited entries for video competition on 'Jackfruit - the state fruit', which will be on from April 15 till May 15. The video clips should have a length of 5 minutes or less. The video should convey the importance and benefits of jackfruit.
The competition will be in both amateur and professional segments. While the first prize winner in amateur segment will win a prize cheque of Rs 15,000, the winner in the professional segment will receive a cheque for Rs 25,000. The videos for the contest can be uploaded at FIB video contest Facebook page, after liking the page; or mail the clips to fibshortfilmcontest@gmail.com, or upload the YouTube link on the WhatsApp number 8129284228.