The Opportunity Cost Analysis of using Jack Fruit Timber as a Construction Material in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The miracle tree in the world is thought to be the jackfruit tree. Its fruit-bearing capacity was well- documented by history academics. However, jackfruit wood is also regarded as one of Sri Lanka's more expensive wood types. Instead of considering the quality of the actual lumber material, this is only dependent on its legendary value. It was not considered how much money the timber was worth. They are carelessly used as one of the finest luxury lumber materials, disregarding the fact that they were originally planted as fruit trees. In an effort to compare the true worth of jackfruit wood to the current palette of premium timber materials, this study was initiated. Thus, it will assist legislators in passing a new law that forbids Sri Lanka from using jackfruit trees as a source of lumber. First, a life cycle model was used to determine the yield value and market value of jackfruit timber. The perceived value of the timber and the yield were then contrasted with the timber's real market worth. The study discovered that, before the age of 50 years, the jack fruit tree's yield value was significantly higher than its timber value. Only Rs. 100,000.00 is the typical timber value anticipated from a jackfruit tree. Only eight years of average yield value are required to restore the value of the timber. In order to preserve the jack fruit tree as one of the top fruit-bearing trees in the world, a new policy should be developed to change the jack fruit tree cutting age to a minimum of 50 years.

Keywords: Jack fruit tree, Yield value, Selling price, Timber value