Pooja Seenauth: The Mauritian Scientist Turning Jackfruit into a Global Food Hope

When Pooja Seenauth looks at a jackfruit, she sees not just a tropical fruit but a "possibility": a future where local crops fuel global innovation and bolster food security in Mauritius.

Hailing from Moka and coming from a family of farmers, this 25-year-old researcher has transformed her roots into a scientific mission. Her interest in jackfruit dates back to 2017 when she dedicated her HSC project to developing derivative products from this fruit. After ranking 8th in Mauritius in Food Studies, she won a prestigious scholarship in 2017 and earned her degree in Food Science & Technology from the University of Mauritius. Her project on jackfruit valorization earned her the Gold Medal of the Prof. Soodurshun Jugessur Prize (2021), recognizing the best graduation project from the Faculty of Agriculture.

Currently, Pooja is pursuing her PhD between the University of Mauritius and the University of Palermo in Italy, conducting groundbreaking research on the functional properties of jackfruit. This nutrient-rich, drought-resistant fruit, which is unfortunately still underutilized, could become a sustainable solution to food security and climate change challenges.

Pooja explains that in Mauritius, jackfruit is characterized by the varieties "jacque laboue" and "jacque jaune", each having unique physical and nutritional traits. She emphasizes her work in identifying new varieties, combating fungal diseases, and developing innovative preservation techniques to exploit its antioxidant and nutritional benefits.

Her aim is to transform jackfruit into a functional ingredient integrated into the Mauritian food system while creating value-added products.

As an ambassador for Mauritian research, she has excelled on various international platforms: a national winner representing Mauritius among 23 Commonwealth countries at FameLab 2021, recognized as an "Inspiring Young Role Model" by OWSD Africa in 2023, and serving as a Youth Ambassador for Regeneration Mauritius. She advocates for inclusive and collaborative science: "Universities should not just produce graduates but innovators."

Balancing her time between Mauritius and Italy, Pooja has demonstrated tenacity: "I’ve learned to be strong, like the jackfruit’s skin. Every success comes from perseverance."

She advocates for an academic culture that fosters collaboration, creativity, and the protection of young researchers' intellectual property. "Innovation does not arise from privilege, but from persistence," she insists.

Aligned with the national vision of Dr. Kaviraj Sukon, Minister of Higher Education, who promotes tangible academic mobility, and Dr. Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, who emphasizes, "Let’s produce what we eat," Pooja Seenauth aims to bring the results of her jackfruit research back to Mauritius. Her mission is to turn knowledge into concrete actions: improving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and inspiring the next generation. "Science should serve people and the planet. If my work can enhance food security and inspire other young researchers, that will be my greatest success," she emphasizes.

With her impressive background and commitment, Pooja Seenauth embodies the new wave of engaged Mauritian science, transforming an often overlooked fruit into a symbol of future, resilience, and collaboration while highlighting the importance of valuing local potential for national and global well-being.