Indigenous fruits such as jamun (Indian blackberry) and Manila tamarind — known locally as junglee jangri, kodukapuli, or seema chintakaya — are staging a comeback after a couple of decades, powered by rising awareness of their health and medicinal values, according to a report by Subramani Ra Mancombu in The Hindu BusinessLine.
Market Revival of Indigenous Fruits
B Govindraj, a fruit seller behind Murugappa Polytechnic on the way to Heavy Vehicles Factory quarters in Chennai suburb Avadi, reported strong demand: “People come in cars, stop and buy 250 g or 500 g of jamun costing around ₹250 a kg.” In Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, R Kalanjianathan sells Manila tamarind on the market street. “I sell at least 10 kg a day at ₹280 a kg. This is peak season. Towards the season’s end, it increases to nearly ₹400 a kg,” he said. Both sellers source their produce from Andhra Pradesh, though the fruits also grow in Tamil Nadu, said M Jawaharlal, Dean of SRM College of Agricultural Sciences (SRMCAS).
Supply-Side Developments
Farmers are increasingly interested in cultivating these fruits. Manila tamarind is grown as a live fencing tree, while jamun trees line farm borders. B Gopu, Associate Professor in the Department of Fruit Science at SRMCAS, noted there are sour and sweet varieties of Manila tamarind, with diabetics preferring the sour ones. “It costs an additional ₹50 a kg,” he added. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has released two Manila tamarind varieties: Periyakulam-1 (PKM1), a normal variety, and PKM2, which has red flesh. “There is good demand for the one with red flesh, and it is attractive,” said Gopu, adding that SRMCAS is cultivating 50 plants of each variety for student research. The Manila tamarind tree thrives in the Anantapur region of Andhra Pradesh, where rainfall is minimal, as well as in Tirunelveli and Aruppukottai regions of Tamil Nadu, according to Jawaharlal.
Demand Drivers and Consumer Trends
Health benefits are the primary driver. “Jamun has potassium and helps overcome nutrient deficiency, while Manila tamarind has properties to tackle diabetes,” said Jawaharlal. Scientists note jamun controls blood sugar, is high in potassium and antioxidants, and has digestive properties. R Nagjothi, Assistant Professor in Crop Physiology at SRMCAS, said jamun seeds are used in traditional medicines to treat inflammation. “Some have begun to make juice out of jamun and it is being recommended,” she added. For Manila tamarind, the fruit provides vitamin C, antioxidants, supports immunity, bone, and oral health. “Manila tamarind is a dry horticultural crop. It requires water only till it establishes itself,” said Jawaharlal. Social media is also driving awareness: “Instagram has helped in informing people of the benefits of jamun and Manila tamarind, and consumers are finding new hybrid varieties attractive,” said Nagjothi.
Price Dynamics and Future Outlook
Prices vary by location and quality. At the taluk level, these fruits sell for ₹150-200 a kg, while in bigger cities, prices reach ₹250-300. Traders in Tamil Nadu’s Aruppukottai and Tirunelveli regions are aggregating Manila tamarind for sale. The red-fleshed PKM2 variety commands a premium. “Manila tamarind, which has red flesh, fetches up to ₹400 a kg,” said Jawaharlal. With sustained health-conscious demand and farmer interest, these indigenous fruits are expected to strengthen their market presence, though supply remains seasonal and regional.
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