Constraints of Agripreneurs Engaged in Value Addition of Jackfruit in Kerala, India

Aims: India is a leading producer of jackfruit in the world with Kerala being the top-producing state. Jackfruit is the state fruit of Kerala and has recently been recognized around the globe for its health benefits. Even then, jackfruit which is abundantly found in Kerala is not used to its full potential and is rotting in the trees which could be reduced by the process of value addition. Many of the agripreneurs are already in this sector processing jackfruit and its value-added products but still, the fruit is underutilized. Given this, the study identifies the constraints faced by the agripreneurs engaged in the value addition of jackfruit in Kerala. By addressing these, initiatives can be put forward to harness these hurdles and to make a conducive environment for the agripreneurs engaged in the value addition of jackfruit in Kerala.

Methodology: The data for the study were purposively collected from 39 agripreneurs engaged in the value addition of Jackfruit. The selected agripreneurs were the proprietors of jackfruit processing units registered under the DICs in Kerala and were operating the unit at the time of the survey.

Results: According to the study, the main financial problem that agripreneurs encountered was the inability to purchase modern machinery. The primary barrier to marketing was limited market accessibility, while the cost and shortage of competent labour hindered technological innovation. Few of the agripreneurs faced legal restrictions. A lack of knowledge and the complexity of the licensing procedures were the biggest concerns for them. The seasonality and decreased availability of quality jackfruit driven by climate change caused additional difficulties for the agripreneurs involved in jackfruit value addition in Kerala.

Conclusion: The limitations of agripreneurs can be abridged with the right help from government institutions, such as through the organizing of exhibitions, knowledge enhancement initiatives, hand-holding support, and financial aid. Kerala may see a rise in income and job possibilities as a result.