AKS Women Conservative Group Explore Potentials in Jackfruit Cultivation
From Imoh ESSIEN (uyo)
A non-governmental group, Women in Nature Conservation Organization (WINCO), says it has embarked on aggressive sensitisation campaigns on the importance of cultivating the fruit in Akwa Ibom state.
The group led by Mrs Emem Umoh demonstrated the versatility of jackfruit with the production of a range of products including smoothies, fries, wines, jackfruit meal, flour, and seasoning at an exhibition in Uyo hosted by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso,
Mrs Umo explained that the group aims at enlightening people at maximizing the economic and health benefits of the Jackfruit and appealed for the support of the Government in establishing a cottage industry to boost their production, maintaining that women across the local government areas have embraced cultivation of the fruit.
According to her, the by-products are valuable, with the jackfruit shaft serving as pig feed and manure, and the gum extracted from the peel usable as a fire starter after drying.
She added that the project is not only promoting sustainable practices but also empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs by creating new economic opportunities within the region.
Earlier within the week, the Women in Nature Conservative Organization (WINCO) successfully hosted the Jack Fruit Fair, showcasing the versatility and nutritional benefits of the jackfruit.
The event, which took place in Uquo, Esit Eket Local Government area, drew a large crowd of enthusiastic participants and witnesses, including the clan head of Eket Offiong, HH Nsoduok Etteudo Ikot.
During the fair, the jackfruit was displayed and processed in various ways, highlighting its potentials ranging from flour, cereals, soup ingredients, or fried into chips.
Mrs Emem Umo explained that, the jackfruit powder has medicinal properties, helping to control blood pressure and recommended for cancer patients.
Uwem, a member of group, with an hypertension history, testified to the benefits of the jackfruit powder, saying it helped regulate her blood pressure. She also shared that the powder can be prepared as a cereal for kids in hot water.
“The jackfruit can be baked, sun-dried, dehydrated, or fried, producing various meals. It can also be used as a swallow for soup, aiding in weight loss and promoting healthy progress for cancer patients. Furthermore, the fruit can be blended into smoothies.”
The WINCO CEO emphasized that the Jack Fruit Fair is the first of its kind in Africa, showcasing a purely Akwa Ibom product. This innovation is expected to drive economic growth in Akwa Ibom and Africa as a whole.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, who attended the event, expressed admiration for the discovery and encouraged the women to continue promoting the jackfruit's potential.
Dr. Ndueso, praised Mrs Umo's innovative approach, noting that the project aligns perfectly with Governor Umo Eno's ARISE initiative, which prioritizes agricultural development for economic growth and entrepreneurship.
"This is a clear demonstration of the vision of the Governor," Dr. Ndueso stated, describing the women as Jackfruit Ambassadors.
