Puttur: Giant-sized Jackfruits in Patala Venkatraman Bhat's Plantation

Puttur, Aug 10:  A normal jackfruit weighs anywhere between 10 to 12 kgs. A mega-sized jackfruit might weigh from 20 to 30 kgs too. But well known Yakshagana artiste Patala Venkatramana Bhat has been growing jackfruits, each of them weighing from 60 to 80 kgs, thus unfolding another hidden surprise of mother nature.
This particular jackfruit tree, belonging to 'Java' variety, bears only about four jack fruits per year. This lone tree has been bearing jackfruits of this size since the last ten years, Bhat says. The jackfruit is about three feet long and every yellowish pulpy bulb inside the fruit is about six inches long.

This jackfruit has a unique taste. The origin of this fruit is Maharashtra. When Bhat had been to Mumbai as part of a Yakshagana troupe that performed there, he saw the bulbs of this giant-sized jackfruit in the market. He was surprised at their size and bought them. After eating the tasty outer pulp, he planted the seed in his plantation. The seed grew into a tree and is bearing these unique jackfruits.

Bhat had a distinguished career in Yakshagana. In agriculture too, he seems to have made a unique imprint because of this jackfruit tree.