World · India Bureau
NIT Rourkela turns jackfruit waste into valuable resource
Researchers at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, have identified a practical application for jackfruit peels, which are typically discarded as agricultural waste. The initiative aims to transform a byproduct of the jackfruit industry into a useful material.
LSN India ·
Scientists at NIT Rourkela have embarked on research to repurpose jackfruit peels, a significant waste stream generated by the fruit processing industry across South Asia. With jackfruit cultivation widespread in tropical regions, particularly in India, the disposal of peels presents both an environmental challenge and an untapped economic opportunity.
The research initiative explores converting jackfruit peels into value-added products through various processing techniques. Preliminary investigations suggest the peels contain compounds and fibres that could be utilized in applications ranging from composite materials to bio-based products, potentially creating a secondary revenue stream for farmers and processors.
This effort aligns with India's broader sustainability goals and circular economy initiatives, addressing the growing need to minimize agricultural waste while generating commercial opportunities. The research at NIT Rourkela demonstrates how academic institutions can contribute to solving practical problems while supporting rural economies dependent on jackfruit cultivation.
The findings from this research could provide processors and farmers with a pathway to monetize what has traditionally been considered waste material, while simultaneously reducing the environmental burden of disposal. As the project progresses, researchers hope to establish scalable methods that could be adopted by the jackfruit industry across the region.