The Moringa oleifera tree, often referred to as the “drumstick tree” is becoming recognised globally as a major plant in the agribusiness sector.
Moringa has a very high nutritional profile, making its leaves, seeds, and even its oil valuable commodities, and a good choice for individuals who desire healthy living options.
1. Moringa leaves contain a high amount of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to research, the leaves contain seven times the Vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, and three times the Vitamin A of carrots.
This unique nutritional content makes the leaves a suitable option when fighting against malnutrition and autoimmune diseases, especially in developing countries.
2. Moringa seeds can also be pressed for their oil which could be utilized for a wide range of culinary and industrial applications.
3. Moringa powder can be obtained by grinding dried moringa leaves. It is a popular component of a wide range of health supplements and food products.
4. Research has shown that the other parts of the plant, including bark and roots, are also useful in water purification and preparation of traditional medicine.
The increasing demand for Moringa presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers, (especially) smallholder farmers in Nigeria, who desire to commercialise the plant. Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, making it ideal for cultivation in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Planting and managing the tree is not capital intensive since the tree has the ability to thrive on minimal resources. This positions it as a sustainable and profitable crop.
However, there exist certain challenges in the moringa value chain.
Ensuring consistent quality standards for Moringa products is important when one is considering it as a business venture. This is to ensure consumer confidence.
Similarly, the farmer may face difficulty with the logistics required to transport the products to the final consumers.
