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The moringa plant, commonly known as “drumstick”, is one of the most important and nutrient-rich food plants in India. The plant is a dry land plant that does not require irrigation or water. It grows under rain-fed conditions and is therefore very environmentally friendly and economical. As a long-term crop, it produces leaves, the vegetable itself, flowers and gum for more than 10 years.
Currently, farmers use the vegetables and only partially the leaves, although the leaves contain 90 nutrients, 27 vitamins and 18 essential amino acids. Therefore, this project aims to fully commercialize the leaves as tea, extract the oil, produce medicine and grind the leaves into nutrient powder.
In a two-year program, 80 women farmers in the state of Tamil Nadu are being trained in moringa cultivation and the subsequent processing and marketing of moringa products.
The project has been supported by BASAID since 2023 (Phase I) and is being implemented in partnership with the NGO AHIMSA (Association for Human Integrated Massive Social Action), which monitors its progress through regular on site visits, the provision of materials and the purchase of moringa processing equipment. For 2024 (Phase II), BASAID’s support for this project amounts to CHF 12,130.
