Moringa: a cash crop for Bundeli farmers

Moringa- a cash crop is yet to attract farmers of Bundelkhand.The leaves of this Moringa are in great demand abroad.The Bundeli farmers can earn approximately  lakhs  of rupees in just one season if they start Moringa's cultivation..The Moringa Products Market was estimated at USD 5.0 Billion (Approximately 37,000 crore INR) 2019 and is expected to reach USD 8.40 Billion (approximately 62,000 crore INR) by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2020 to 2027. In Western countries, the dried leaves and other products from of Moringa oleifera are sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or ln capsule form.

 In the post-covid world, there is a huge demand for moringa leaf powder in the European market and 80% of the world's demand is met by Indian farmers.  The beauty of this crop is that 4 months, after sowing, farmers can take moringa leaves and then after every two months the leaves are plucked.Then those leaves are dried in the shade, then you can sell.Moringa oleifera is a plant that is often called the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree.The tree is native to India but also grows in Asia, Africa, and South America. Moringa has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. It  has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory properties.Off course it do have some side effects but they are very few. People taking medication, should consult a doctor before taking moringa extract.

Rich in nutrients and contains Protein, Vitamin B6, vitamin B1 (thiamine) ,Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin B3 (niacin), Folic and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Magnesium. Rich in Antioxidants like Quercetin and Chlorogenic acid, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc, It is also extremely low in fats and contains no harmful Cholesterol  B2 (riboflavin). Moringa Can Lower Cholesterol.Moringa oleifera lowers Blood Sugar Levels and Reduce Inflammation also. One scientific study on women found that taking 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) of moringa leaf powder every day for three months significantly increased blood antioxidant levels . 

Presently, the demand for crops like Kinnu, Orange (Sweet Lemon), Moringa, Dragon Custard, Tropical Fruit, Black Rice and Bajra is increasing due to Covid-19, therefore, the farmers of Bundelkhand should join the race for crops like Moringa which are grown in less water and gives more income at a lower cost.The state government is also promoting the cultivation of drumstick in the state.

In Uttar Pradesh, 10,000 sapling of Moringa have been provided to a women group in Banda district of Bundelkhand region. Once the garden of the drumstick is harvested for 5-8 years. Demand for seeds with drumstick leaves and beans increases..  Until now, the cultivation of drumstick was more in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, Since it is being used in Ayurvedic medicines, the government is promoting its cultivation in many states like UP, Jharkhand through various schemes.

Continuous efforts are being made by the Chief Minister Adityanath to promote industries in the highly backward Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.  Due to his efforts, Investors Summit was organized at the state level in Lucknow and the Industrial Development Investment Policy 2017 has been announced and Bundelkhand Investors Summit was organized by Bundelkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries Jhansi and Team Innovation.  As a result, entrepreneurs in Bundelkhand took the initiative to set up industries, invested crores of rupees but due to lack of cooperation from related departments and banks, the industrial development in Bundelkhand seems to be receptive.
Though the government is trying hard to uplift this backward region through these packages but there  are various setbacks which are halting the progression. It is alleged that even UP Industrial and other related departments seldom response to those letters which are send by Chambers.In such a situation it is futile to imagine the development of the area.The body has written a letter to the UP CM in this regard. Land  allotment issue of Chamber's office is still pending.  And because of such attitude the Moringa cultivation is also suffering and not getting due attention from the government