Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus. Lam.) has a big potential in enhancing nutritional security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural systems because the tree is a multipurpose tropical fruit. The importance of jackfruit is still that even with the volumes of this crop that are produced, it is estimated every year that one-third of the crop is being wasted due to improper post-harvest management, absence of infrastructure and post-processing infrastructure. This is a review of recent studies on sustainable agronomic methods, nutritional value, health benefits, and value-added use of jackfruit by-products in a circular economy.
The paper identifies agronomic interventions that are environmentally friendly, like integrated nutrient management, climate-sensitive irrigation, pruning, canopy management, and integrated pest and disease management to improve productivity and environmental sustainability. Jackfruit contains carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and carotenoids, and has a wide variety of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, anti-obesity, gut health promotion, and anti-cancer.
Also, new methods of transforming non-edible by-products, including peel, core, seeds, and latex into high-value products such as pectin, bioplastics, animal feed, nutraceuticals, and biofuels are addressed. Recommendations on practical practices to be adopted by farmers, industries, and policymakers are offered to ensure that zero-waste systems are adopted and enhance rural economies. Modern agricultural practices, processing innovations, and supportive policies can help the jackfruit cultivation to be integrated to form a sustainable horticultural model to help in food security and horticultural stability.