Who is Mithilesh Desai, India’s ‘Jackfruit King’?

Mithilesh Desai, often referred to as India's "Jackfruit King," is a farmer and entrepreneur from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Born into a farming family, his father Harishchandra Desai began experimenting with different jackfruit varieties around 2000. Mithilesh, who studied Agricultural Engineering at MPKV, Rahuri, built upon this family knowledge with a research-oriented approach to farming.

Before dedicating himself to farming, Desai even prepared for the UPSC examinations. He eventually chose to continue his family's agricultural legacy and focused on jackfruit cultivation, exploring various varieties, cultivation techniques, and potential commercial applications. His efforts have resulted in a substantial jackfruit collection on his nearly 28-acre property, reportedly containing more than 70 varieties, with some sources citing over 86.

Desai's work extends beyond merely growing jackfruit. He has delved into processing the plant's different parts, including seeds, leaves, and bark, into value-added products. His efforts are also directed towards farmer-oriented initiatives, aiming to help farmers transition from selling raw produce to processing and marketing agricultural products. He is associated with Jackfruitking Agro Producer Company Limited, a collective effort promoting farming, food processing, and commercialization.

The unexpected meeting between Desai and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Revati Sule's Delhi wedding reception has drawn attention to the Ratnagiri-based farmer and his unusual connection to jackfruit.