World hunger, global warming, and the pandemic are the current problems that the world is facing right now. All three are extremely relevant, and the former two will decide the economic and political future of the world. Since this site is about developments in the food industry, the first problem of world hunger is one that can be talked about. Many countries have high rates of hunger, which means that a person does nto have a guaranteed meal every day. This is a sensitive topic, and there are many levels to world hunger which most people don’t understand. Over the last 5 years, governments have been researching how to better the life of their starving citizens, how to aid them when they need it the most. And a possible solution may just be a simple crop. Jackfruit.

Jackfruit has always been an important fruit in many cultures. One important quality of the fruit is that all parts of it, including the tree it is grown on, can be used for the betterment of said cultures. The leaves of the plant and tree contain antioxidants, detoxifications, and phytonutrients. The wood from the tree is compact and easy to work with. It is also resistant to termites, making it a good choice for furniture. The fruit itself is extremely nutritious. Often used as a meat substitute, it has high levels of protein, potassium, minerals, and vitamins. In addition, it has the texture of pulled pork. This means that many countries in South Asia, where jackfruit naturally grows, can use this fruit to substitute for meats they cannot eat. Jackfruit also grows extremely fast, and produces large fruit that can weigh from 3-10 watermelons (27-90 kilograms).

But this has become a disadvantage. This fruit hasn’t gained the attention it deserves yet. The demand for jackfruit isn’t where it should be. Since the supply is so high, the price of jackfruit has gone down, as suppliers just want to get ride of their stockpile. But this has ruined the economy which goes hand in hand with jackfruit. Mass exports have become impossible due to the low valuation, where suppliers are losing money and still have the remaining 75% of their harvested jackfruit. If only this plant was able to be cultivated in other land masses, where the fruit could be growing in the place where it is needed. World hunger wouldn’t be a problem if this plant was everywhere. Yet, it is found everywhere. The countries with the highest hunger rates are Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen.These countries already have established trade with other countries on the African Continent, such as Kenya, Uganda, Mauritius, and other tropical African countries. These countries are known to be native to jackfruit.

The country which produces the most jackfruit annually is India. As mentioned before, they are forced to waste up to 75% of their annual harvest. This is not good, and the Indian government recognizes it. Fame is being brought to the fruit, and the stigma against it is being lifted. All the magical properties, the convenience, and the speed of growth have made it cheap. And people think that it is for people who can only afford jackfruit. Sales have decreased even more because people don’t want to be seen with an “imitation meat”. Organizations are being developed simply for the cause of bringing fame to the crop, and rightfully so. Jackfruit belongs in a higher category of fruits than it currently is in.

Vegan consumers have been crazing over jackfruit for years. In the past, veganism was correlated with green vegetables, no flavor, and people trying to lose weight. Now, veganism is a heavily studied diet which is also known for attempting to imitate the foods in the world of an omnivorous diet. Jackfruit is extremely versatile, and suitable for so many different dietary requirements. Jackfruit has the potential to become the face of veganism and the solution to world hunger all at once. People just need to give it the chance it deserves.

Sources:
https://borgenproject.org/jackfruit-ending-world-hunger/
https://lifetone.co.uk/blogs/news/jackfruit-leaves-health-benefits
https://kaliudabali.com/all-about-jackfruit-wood-or-jackwood/
https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/story/worlds-hungriest-countries