KR Jayan
There are around 24 indigenous jackfruit species in the state,” said Jayan. Though all seeds in the jackfruits may germinate and grow, all seeds won’t have the quality of mother tree. Kochi: K R Jayan, fondly called ‘Plavu‘ Jayan, has been selected for this year’s PV Thampy Memorial Endowment award for environment protection, instituted in memory of journalist and environmentalist P V Thampy. Growing up among trees, climbing them and forming an instinctive bond with nature shaped his sense of responsibility towards its protection. His early affinity towards jackfruit developed into a mission and a lasting commitment to the conservation of indigenous jackfruit species in Keralam. He developed nine ‘plavu‘ villages where he cultivated jackfruit trees on arid land without removing other indigenous tree species to ensure the biodiversity. “I started by planting the saplings on roadsides in my neighbourhood and used to observe its growth. Later I extended to other parts along with studying the indigenous ones. Hence, using traditional knowledge, I isolate the seeds which can retain the quality of mother tree and raise saplings.