August 2, 2025 | Tamil Nadu –
The humble *Moringa tree, known in local languages as Munagaku (Telugu) or Murungai (Tamil), is proving to be India’s “Green Gold”. With over 1 lakh acres (100,000 acres) of land under Moringa cultivation in Tamil Nadu alone, this superfood has quietly become a nutritional and economic powerhouse.
A Nutritional Treasure: More Iron Than Spinach, More Calcium Than Milk
One Moringa leaf contains:
- 24x more Iron than spinach
- 16x more Calcium than milk
- 9x more Vitamin C than carrots
- More Potassium than bananas
And that’s not all. Every part of the tree—from the leaves and pods to seeds and bark—is packed with nutrients and medicinal benefits. It’s no wonder experts call it a “Miracle Tree”.
Moringa Is India’s Secret Weapon in Global Health Markets
- English name: Moringa
- Tamil name: Murungai
- *Botanical name: *Moringa oleifera
According to SVM Exports (a Tamil Nadu-based Moringa exporter), the U.S. is the biggest importer of Moringa leaves and powder. Other buyers include Canada, China, South Korea, Germany, and Europe. These countries use Moringa in *cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and *wellness supplements.
Outside India, Moringa is also grown in parts of *Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, as well as *Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia and the Philippines.
Medicinal Benefits Backed by Ancient and Modern Science
Moringa is well-regarded in both Ayurveda and modern medicine. Doctors say it helps with:
- Inflammation and chronic pain
- Digestion and gastric ulcers
- High blood sugar and diabetes
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Heart health and kidney detox
- Strengthening the immune system
Moringa seeds are rich in antioxidants. The leaves have antibacterial properties and work as a natural *antibiotic. Even 200 mg of Moringa leaf powder can significantly lower blood sugar levels—by up to *40% in some cases.
Rising Global Demand: India Holds 80% Market Share
- Moringa leaves fetch up to ₹80/kg
- Moringa seeds export for over ₹500/kg
- In 2015, India exported ₹146 crore worth of Moringa
- The global Moringa market is projected to touch ₹47,500 crore in 2 years
Indian Moringa is considered superior in quality. It leads 80% of global Moringa exports, especially in powdered form, which is in high demand in Western countries.
A Farmer’s Dream Crop
Moringa is not only healthy but also highly profitable for farmers. According to reports:
- One acre of Moringa can earn a farmer ₹10 lakh annually
- Cultivation cost is low (about ₹20,000 per acre)
- Harvest starts within 3 months of planting and continues year-round
- It thrives in dry climates with minimal irrigation
This makes it a sustainable crop for small farmers and large agribusinesses alike.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per 100g of Moringa Leaves)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8.3g |
| Calcium | 434mg |
| Potassium | 202mg |
| Vitamin A | 738μg |
| Vitamin C | 164mg |
| Fiber | 19.2g |
Why the World Can’t Get Enough of Moringa
- Western nations call it the “Magical Tree”
- Ayurveda calls it “the remedy for 300 diseases”
- Farmers call it a “green jackpot”
- Doctors call it “nature’s multivitamin”
India, particularly *Tamil Nadu, is at the forefront of this revolution. With high yields, global demand, and powerful health benefits, Moringa is more than a leaf—it’s a *lifeline for farmers and a boon to human health.