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PKM1, a variety of Moringa oleifera, has created a global impact, especially in countries such as Senegal, Rwanda and Madagascar in the African continent. 

Moringa Farming

Moringa, often called the “tree of life” or “miracle tree,” or "drumstick tree", is a nutrient-packed crop, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera.

This tree, native to India, grows in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Ancient traders and travelers spread it from India to places like Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Its ability to adapt to various climates makes it a global treasure.

Moringa is grown in warm climates, flourishing in temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. It is a deciduous tree, it prefers indirect sunlight and well-drained soil that ranges from slightly acidic to alkaline.  

Every part of the Moringa tree—packs a nutritional value.  

• Moringa leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges, more calcium than milk, and more iron than spinach. People use these leaves to fight malnutrition, especially in regions facing food scarcity. Nursing mothers also consume Moringa to boost breast milk production, helping nourish their babies naturally.
• Its seeds produce oil used in cosmetics, cooking, and even as a biofuel. The bark and roots find their way into traditional medicines, while the leaves and pods are staples in culinary dishes across cultures.  

PKM-1 variety

PKM-1 variety, a high-yielding type of Moringa oleifera, developed in the late 1980s by the Horticulture College and Research Institute in Periyakulam, Dindigul district, transforms moringa farming.

Unlike older, native moringa varieties that grow tall, live for 30 years, and yield less, PKM-1 offers;

• Quick Yield: It produces drumsticks within six months of planting, compared to longer periods for native varieties.
• High Output: A single acre yields up to 20 tonnes of drumsticks annually, with some trees producing 37 kg each.
• Manageable Size: PKM-1 grows only to six feet, making harvesting easier and protecting trees from storms, unlike taller native varieties that crack in strong winds.
• Seed Propagation: Farmers grow it from seeds, not stem cuttings, making it easier to cultivate.

Global Impact

Countries like Senegal, Rwanda, and Madagascar use PKM-1 moringa to combat malnutrition in children, as it boosts immunity and prevents diseases. For example, moringa powder, rich in calcium, Omega 3, 6, 9, and over 100 micronutrients, is a natural immune booster.

Its global demand is increasing, with the moringa market valued at $9.5 billion in 2022, and India meeting over 80% of this demand due to favorable climatic conditions. Tamil Nadu leads the world in moringa production, contributing 24% of global output.  

Challenges Faced by Tamil Nadu Farmers

Lack of Cold Storage => Without government cold storage facilities, farmers cannot store drumsticks when market prices are low (sometimes as low as Rs 5 per kg during oversupply) to sell later at higher rates (up to Rs 100 per kg). Only 12% of India’s fruits and vegetables are stored in cold storage, exacerbating losses for perishable crops like moringa.

No Solar Dryers => Moringa leaves, rich in nutrients, are often treated as a by-product. Solar dryers could preserve leaves for powder production, but these are absent in regions like Dindigul. This limits value addition, such as turning leaves into high-demand products like powder or soup. Maintaining chlorophyll content (around 6.7%) requires solar drying, which isn’t widely available.

Limited Value Addition => Farmers sell raw drumsticks or seeds but rarely process them into high-value products like powder, oil, or cosmetics. For example, moringa powder fetches Rs 800 per kg in international markets, compared to drumsticks’ Rs 5–150 per kg.

No Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) => FPOs help farmers collectively process and market produce, but Dindigul lacks such groups for moringa. This leaves farmers dependent on middlemen who take a large profit share (e.g., 25% in some markets v/s farmers’ 10%). 

Weak Market Linkages => Farmers lack access to international market information and export standards. Countries reject moringa consignments due to unmet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. The absence of institutional support, like training from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), hinders exports.

Oversupply Issues => In areas like Aravakurichi, Karur district (Tamil Nadu’s “Moringa Central” with 2,984 hectares under cultivation), oversupply drives prices down to Rs 8 per kg from Rs 60.

Way Forward

Value-Added Products => Processing moringa into powder, oil, podi, soup, or cosmetics can boost income. The cash crop supports over 30 value-added products.

Export Zones and Facilitation Centers => In 2021, Tamil Nadu declared seven districts as Moringa Export Zones to promote cultivation, value addition, and marketing. A Special Export Facilitation Center in Madurai, costing Rs 1 crore, provides machinery like dryers and pulverizers and connects farmers to global buyers. These initiatives aim to generate Rs 50,000 crore in five years.

Organic Farming => Global demand for organic moringa is high, especially in North America and Europe.

Farmer Producer Organizations => Forming FPOs can empower farmers to process and export moringa collectively. Clusters specializing in specific moringa products could enhance efficiency.

Combating Malnutrition => Moringa’s nutrient profile makes it a powerful tool against malnutrition, aligning with global health goals. Tamil Nadu can leverage this to secure contracts with African nations and NGOs focused on child nutrition.

Agricultural Entrepreneurship => The state encourages students to pursue moringa-based businesses. Young entrepreneurs can use export zones and facilitation centers to tap international markets.

Source: 

THE HINDU