Tumakuru (Karnataka): Siddu Halasu, a rare variety of Jackfruit tree is very famous in Karnataka's Tumakuru is now under CCTV surveillance.
This unique variety of Jackfruit with coppery red flakes was grown by SS Paramesha, the horticulturist many years ago in Seengenahalli near Cheluru of Tumakuru district.
Due to its rarity and popularity, it is frequently targeted by a few miscreants prompting the horticulturist owning the need to install CCTV cameras in his farm for safety.
SS Paramesha, owner of the farm told ETV Bharat, " My father planted the seed of this tree 37 years ago in 20 acres of land. We have Jackfruit, Coconut and Mango tree on the farm."
He said that since the fruit is universally recognised for its unique taste, it has a huge demand in the International as well as National market due to which it has generated envy among some and thieves are targeting it.
He added, " Due to a lot of fruits getting stolen I decided to go for CCTV cameras and spent about Rs 25,000. It also sends alerts in my smartphone when people are near to the tree."
He further added, "CCTV is installed on the 4 part of the tree to protect it. The sensor has been crossing the tree for 24 hours and soon I will deploy security guards in the farm to keep the variety protected."
Known as India's first farmer breed, in 2017 the tree was identified as rare by Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR).
In the first year of identification, 10,000 seedlings were transplanted.
The fruit has demands in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
Moreover, IIHR has signed an agreement with Paramesha to multiply the jackfruit variety through grafting and a scheme to double the income of the farmer is formulated.
It is planned to transplant one lakh saplings into 25,000 plants every year over the next four years.
Paramesh was given Rs 5 lakh last year for this variety of Jackfruit.
According to research, it contains lycopene, carotenoid, flavonoid, and over 31 per cent of the flavours.
It also contains minerals that have antioxidant properties in the human body.
Siddu Halasu is helpful for the development of cells too.
IIHR has nominated Paramesha as the custodian of genetic diversity for this particular variety of Jackfruit and named it 'Siddu' after his father.
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