Jamaica’s State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Floyd Green, is encouraging farmers and other persons to plant more breadfruit trees.

He pointed out that with

more breadfruit and cassava, the country could become self-sufficient in the

production of its own flour.

The State Minister was

speaking at the book launch of ‘Breadfruit Recipes: Sweet and Savoury’, at the

Institute of Jamaica, in downtown Kingston, on September 23.

Mr. Green noted that between

2013 and 2017, there was a 90 per cent increase in the amount of breadfruit

exported largely to the United States market.

 “We have also seen a 70 per cent rise in the

value of the export, again largely to the United States market that takes up

approximately 67 per cent of our export of breadfruit,” he said.

 “The reality is that where the world is moving

towards gluten-free items, we have a strategic advantage,” the State Minister

added.

“We have been saying to

more people, get into the production of breadfruit, as there is strong local

demand, but, importantly, there is tremendous export potential,” the State

Minister noted.

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Mr.

Green said nutritionally, breadfruit is now being classified as a super food

and is a source of nutrients, ranging from protein, essential amino acids,

carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. “It is also said to have medicinal

and health benefits,” he said.