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Recent advancements in underutilized fruit industry in Sri

Lanka

Fruit Crops and Cut Flower Production

Name- K.G.R.Madubashini

B.I.S.Agriculture

O.U.S.L

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Content

• Introduction• What are underutilized crops• The potential role of underutilized plant species• In Sri Lanka• Underutilized fruit -crops in Sri Lanka• Recent trends in Underutilized fruit and vegetable

processing • Conservation strategy

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Content

• Underutilized fruit processing enterprises• Summary• References

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Introduction

• Underutilized plant species have local or regional importance, but generally lack national recognition and appreciation. the under-utilized crops are the plant species that are traditionally used for their food, fiber, fodder, oil or medicinal properties. However, those species have under-exploited potential to ensure food security, nutrition, health, income generation and environmental services.

Source-Subasinghe S (2014). Cultivation of medicinal fruits, trees.

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What are underutilized crops

• The under-utilized crops are the plant species that are traditionally used for their food, fiber, fodder, oil or medicinal properties. However, those species have under-exploited potential to ensure food security, nutrition, health, income generation and environmental services.

Source-http://wildlifeofhawaii.com

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The potential role of underutilized plant species

• The potential role of underutilized plant species to contribute to global food security and nutrition.

• Buffering against the consequences of climate change and reductions in agricultural biodiversity.

• Source- http://i.ndtvimg.com/mt/cooks/

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In Sri Lanka• Sri Lanka has over 60 varieties of underutilized fruit

crops.• A few districts lead the production of fruits at present

in Sri Lanka. (North and the East and these districts has much untapped potential to growth fruit ).

• The Ministry plans to increase the production of fruits over the years and also increase domestic value addition by establishing fruit processing units.

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Underutilized fruit -crops in Sri Lanka

Madan (Syzigium cumini)https://pixabay.com/

Lavalu (Pouteria campechiana)http://caribfruits.cirad.fr/var/c

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Underutilized fruit -crops in Sri Lanka

Beli (Aegle marmelos)http://4.bp.blogspot.com

Nelli (Emblica officinalis)http://www.dehlvi.com

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/

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Recent trends in Underutilized fruit and vegetable processing

• New products - This has been achieved by new heating (e.g. UHT, microwave) and freezing techniques combined with new packaging materials and technologies (e.g. aseptic, modified atmosphere packaging).

• Heat processed products - Canned fruits and vegetables , Fruit juices , Crisps, Glass packed fruits and vegetables .

Source-http://www.mmtwins

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Recent trends in Underutilized fruit and vegetable processing

• A fresh look at dried fruit - Perceived as a "value-added" ingredient, dried fruit adds flavor, colour, texture and diversity with little alteration to an existing formula .

Source- http://westchestermartialartseastchesterny.com

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Major processed products prepared from Underutilized fruits

Processed Product Fruits

Jam Tamarind, Wood apple

Candy Tamarind , Beli , Guava

Juice/Syrup/ Beverage Nelli , Wood apple , Emberella , Tamarind , Beli

Chutney Wood apple

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Major processed products prepared from Underutilized fruits

Processed Product Fruits

Sauce Tamarind, Wood apple, Pomegranate

Pickle Veralu , Lovi , Emberella , Star fruit

Dehydration Nelli , Jack fruit , Bilin , Goraka , Cashew nut

Canning Jack fruit , Wood apple , Star fruit , Cashew nut

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Conservation strategy• Identification • Collecting live samples of neglected and

underutilized crop species found in Sri Lanka• Research and multiplication for the benefit of future

generation• Conducting awareness creation and educational

workshops• Conducting field research and studies• Facilitate the community contribution for

conservation

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Underutilized fruit processing enterprises

• Identify the market and promote new brands for underutilized fruit products.

• Take advantage of brand consciousness and diversify the product palette.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships within the market chain.

• Improving labor efficiency and use quality packaging materials.

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Summary• In Sri Lanka potential for cultivating fruits for the

domestic and export markets is high. Despite there being a demand for Sri Lankan fruits in abroad, the country faces a serious problem in finding exportable quality fruits in sufficient quantities. The most of fruits in Sri Lanka still remain as underutilized stage and growing in unexploited areas without proper marketing strategies. Developing the market potential for underutilized fruits depend on better marketing and reliable supply of the end product.

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References

• Agent (1994). A survey of the market for fruits and vegetables in the hotel and restaurant industry, Agent’s business production, processing and marketing information centre, Issue No 19, Colombo, 25pp

• [2] ChamathkaJayawardena(2013).The Cancer fighting fruit. Ceylontoday.

• [3] DHEERAJ SINGH*, LOBSANG WANGSHU†, PRAHALA V.C.(2008). PROCESSING AND MARKETING FEASIBILITY OF [1] UNDERUTILIZED FRUIT SPECIES OF RAJASTHAN. Contributed Paper presented at IAMO Forum

• [4] Sector brief Fruits and vegetables (2011). Compiled by the Ceylon Chamber of commerc

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