The invention titled ‘Process for preparing Nutmeg Taffy and resultant food product thereof,’ headed by Dr A R Desai and the team at the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) in Goa, has been awarded Patent No. 528119 (Application No. 201621012414, dated 8th April 2016).
Nutmeg, a vital spice crop in India, primarily cultivated for its nutmeg seed and mace, often leaves behind nutmeg pericarp after harvesting. Recognising the untapped potential of this residual by-product, ICAR-CCARI, Goa has developed a solution – Nutmeg Pericarp Taffy, aimed at maximising the utilisation of nutmeg pericarp. This innovative product boasts significant nutritional value, constituting 80-85 per cent of the fruit by fresh weight, and can be conveniently stored at room temperature for up to 12 months without the need for synthetic preservatives, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
With the implementation of this pioneering technology, farmers stand to gain an additional annual income of Rs 5,600 per tree, in addition to their yields from traditional nutmeg spice products. The simplicity of the process, coupled with its minimal equipment requirements and commercial viability, ensures widespread applicability across various sectors, including agri-entrepreneurship, self-help groups, small and medium-scale food industries, and agro-ecotourism centres.
The technology transfer of this invention has already seen successful commercialisation with M/s Tanshikar Spice Farm, Netravali, Sanguem, and the Goa State Biodiversity Board, marking a significant step towards harnessing the potential of agricultural innovation for socio-economic development.
The Institute Technology Management Unit of ICAR-CCARI, Goa, played a pivotal role in facilitating the patent application process, demonstrating the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and technology dissemination in the agricultural sector.
