Bantwal’s Punacha Team Collects Jackfruits, Bananas to Support Ashrams: The Rural Mirror Exclusive Report
Thursday, June 19, 2025
In the lush green hamlet of Punacha, Bantwal taluk, a group of compassionate villagers led by cooperative sector activist Deviprasad Punacha has been quietly making a difference for the past three years. What is Their mission? Collecting surplus jackfruits, bananas, and coconuts from local farmers’ orchards and delivering them to ashrams and charitable institutions across Karnataka, ensuring nothing goes to waste while nourishing those in need.
Every season, the team gathers naturally grown produce—free from chemical fertilizers or pesticides—and loads it onto vehicles at their own expense. Destinations like Kanyana Bharat Sevashrama, Daigoli Ashram, and other shelters receive these donations, where the fresh produce becomes a rare treat for residents and a nutritious feed for cattle. “Jackfruit is nature’s greatest gift, but farmers can’t always use or sell it all,” says Deviprasad. “We see joy and peace in ensuring it reaches those who need it.”
Jackfruit, a versatile crop, is fully utilized at these ashrams. The fruit is consumed fresh or turned into snacks, while the rind and seeds are cooked as cattle feed. Preserved with salt, the crop’s remnants are stored for year-round use, leaving zero waste. Bananas, often unsold during the monsoon due to low market prices, also find a meaningful purpose through this initiative.
The effort is a collective one, with Punacha’s residents and farmers pitching in wholeheartedly. “Instead of letting jackfruits rot or bananas go unsold, we give them away for free to places where they’re valued,” Deviprasad explains. “It’s not just about utility—it brings us happiness and fulfillment.”
Recently, the team sent two pick-up loads of jackfruits, coconuts, and banana bunches to Kanyana Bharat Sevashrama, a testament to their unwavering commitment. While jackfruit value-addition and income-generating activities are gaining traction, rural areas like Punacha still face challenges in scaling such efforts. Yet, this grassroots initiative proves that small acts of kindness can create ripples of impact.
As Deviprasad and his team continue their selfless service, they inspire others to look at surplus crops not as waste, but as opportunities to uplift communities. Their story is a reminder of the power of collective action rooted in compassion.
Credit: This story is based on information from The Rural Mirror website.
Keywords: Bantwal, Punacha, jackfruit donation, farmers initiative, Deviprasad Punacha, ashram support, surplus crops, Kanyana Bharat Sevashrama, rural Karnataka, zero waste, banana donation, coconut donation, community service, agriculture aid, natural produce