Online edition of Sunday Observer

ANCL's National Jak Development Project (NJDP) has had a positive and a significant response from a wide segment of readers from all parts of the country. Many have lauded the project as the need of the hour, while many more have written in commenting on various aspects of jak, its history and other significant developments of this wonder fruit. While all comments are greatly appreciated, here we present a letter from Sumith Senaka Illanganthilake of Rambukkana who enlightens us on jak-fruit and the law preventing the misuse of these wonder trees...

The law

The destruction of the jak plantation was brought about by the increase of population beginning in the 20th century. By the late 1940s the problem of cutting down jak trees had become very severe. But the jak propagation movement of Arthur V. Dias had propelled the stipulation of laws banning the cutting down of jak trees. The Controlling of Tree Felling Act No 9 of 1951 was the result of the agitations of those concerned in protection of this wonder tree. The Act banned the felling of jak trees without a valid licence from the then Government Agent (District Secretary) of the area. Those guilty of illicit felling were liable to pay a fine of Rs. 500, a jail term of six months or both.

However, in 2000, due to the increased protection needed for jak and other valuable trees, this law was updated by amendment number 01 of 2000, on Control of Felling Trees. This new law prohibits felling of trees in the food production chain. The fine has been increased from Rs. 500 to a minimum of Rs. 5000 and a maximum Rs. 50,000, with a jail term of one year. The felled tree also becomes government property.

The law stipulates that anyone seeking to log or transport jak trees should first obtain a permit from the Divisional Secretary for the purpose.

Licences are issued only on the fulfilment of the following conditions: 1) If it is determined and ruled by a court of law, to fell the tree. 2) Under government request for development purposes 3) To erect buildings 4) If the tree has been uprooted due to natural causes 5) If it has a potential to harm life and property.

However, it is to be remembered that the felling of a small tree is treated equally before the law, as the felling of a large tree. (VF)

Tender jak-fruit (about 500g)
Red onions (chopped) - 3 bulbs
Pepper - 2 tsp.
Turmeric powder - 2 tsp
Green chillies (thinly chopped) - 2
Lime - 1
Coconut oil - 3 tsp.
Half a coconut (scraped)
A sprig of curry leaves and bay leaf
Pinch of salt to taste

Clean the tender jak-fruit removing the thorny skin and cut into pieces. Boil. Once it is boiled well, add chopped onion, pepper, turmeric, green chillies and lime juice and mix well. Heat the coconut oil in a pan and fry the curry leaves and the bay leaf until golden. Add the polos mixture, scraped coconut and cook in a low heat.

Tender jak-fruit - 1 1/2 kg
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Dried chillies - 25g
Vinegar - 1/4 bottle
Garlic - 2 bulbs
Raw ginger - small piece
A pince of salt and sugar to taste

Skin and clean the tender jak-fruit. Cut into small pieces and grind. Grind dried chillies, garlic, ginger and mustard seeds in vinegar, into a paste. Mix the ground polos and the paste adding a pinch of salt and sugar. Pour vinegar into an earthen vessel and heat. Put the prepared mixture and keep on the stove until cooked, stirring all the time.

The next planting season of jak will begin in September. Jak-fruit saplings about 2 1/2 - 4 months old are sought from the public. Individuals and organisations interested in supplying jak-fruit saplings are requested to contact the Secretary, NJDP, Sarath Amarakoon, Chief Administrative Officer ANCL - 429201 or Co-ordinating Secretary NJDP, Nihal Abeysinghe - 429268 or write to National Jak Development Project, C/o Silumina, Lake House, Colombo 10. This project is sponsored by Sevana Lotteries division of Sri Lanka Lotteries Board.