Moringa: The ‘green gold’ turning even drought-prone farms profitable

Not long ago, moringa plants were found in almost every rural home in western and southern India. Traditionally valued for its edible pods (drumsticks) and medicinal leaves, the hardy tree is now driving a farming revolution in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Haryana. It is now one of the most profitable crops for small and medium farmers.

The convergence of nutrition science, climate resilience, and market pull has fuelled this transition.

As health-conscious consumers in India and abroad opt to consume moringa powders, teas, and oils, farmers are discovering that this fast-growing, low-input crop can generate reliable income year after year.

Why farmers are turning to moringa

For farmers battling unseasonal rainfall and volatile market prices, moringa offers stability. It thrives in poor soils and drought-prone areas and withstands long dry spells. It begins yielding within six to eight months of planting. Unlike many cash crops, it allows at least three to five annual harvests when cultivated for leaf production. Drumsticks can be harvested twice a year.

Also Read: How this Haryana couple clocks Rs8 lakh per acre from organic moringa farming

Farmers can harvest leaves every 45 to 60 days and sell them fresh, dried, or powdered. Those growing for pods, the drumsticks popular in South Indian cuisine, get a steady demand from local mandis, supermarkets, and hotels.

However, the best part about moringa farming is that input costs are minimal. 

The crop requires limited fertiliser and irrigation, and its natural pest resistance reduces pesticide dependence. Most farmers cultivate moringa organically, using only cow dung manure, vermicompost, jeevamrit and other inputs prepared on the farm.

Several state agriculture departments promote moringa as a climate-resilient tree crop, especially in semi-arid zones. In districts like Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, moringa cultivation has become a profitable alternative to groundnut or cotton.

S Umesh Rao, a farmer in Karnataka, has converted barren land into a profitable moringa farm and now clocks an annual turnover of Rs 40 lakh.   

In Maharashtra, farmers like Mahadev More and Sagar Khare are successfully growing moringa in drought-prone Solapur. The leaves are harvested, dried, and processed into powder, which is then sold in India and exported internationally.

Moringa farming has proven to be a profitable venture, with these farmers earning Rs8 lakh to Rs10 lakh per acre due to the crop's hardy nature, high yields, and rising global demand for moringa powder.

Processing adds real value

While selling fresh pods brings quick cash, the real profits lie in value addition. Three main processing avenues have emerged across India’s moringa belt.

The leaf powder is a superfood. Farmers dry and mill leaves into fine powder rich in vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. Sold as capsules, drink mixes, or food fortifiers, moringa powder fetches premium prices in urban and export markets.

Amarjeet Singh, a farmer in Bhiwani, Haryana,  practices organic moringa farming. He prepares moringa powder and tablets, clocking Rs 8 lakh 

Moringa seeds yield ben oil, prized for its stability and light texture. Cosmetic brands and nutraceutical companies use it in skin serums, soaps, and hair oils.

Vegetable markets, restaurants, and exporters absorb a steady supply of the fresh pods, drumsticks year-round. Some farmers combine leaf and pod systems to diversify income.

Solar or electric dryers, grinders, and basic packaging units enable farmers to scale up.

The capital cost for a small solar dryer and grinder setup typically pays back within one season.

Many self-help groups and Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) are now pooling resources to process and brand their products collectively. 

How much can farmers earn?

Earnings vary widely depending on whether farmers sell raw produce or processed goods. Yet, farmers cultivating drumsticks for vegetable markets earn around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per acre annually after deducting costs.

Those who dry and package moringa leaves earn substantially more, often Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per acre in revenue and Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh profit per acre.

In a high-density plantation, one acre can produce around 1,000 kg of dried leaf powder annually. It retails at Rs800 to Rs1000 per kg when sold under a brand. 

India is already among the world’s top moringa producers and exporters. The global moringa products market is projected to grow by over 8 to 10 percent annually, driven by demand in the US, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. Health food brands abroad market it as an eco-friendly, plant-based protein source, often called a “miracle tree.”

Domestically, moringa’s presence in organic stores, smoothie bars, and wellness brands has expanded sharply since 2020. Cosmetic and herbal product manufacturers source moringa oil and extracts locally rather than importing.

Challenges 

Despite its promise, moringa farming comes with a few hurdles. Leaves are highly perishable and must be dried quickly after harvest to retain nutrients. Maintaining consistent quality and hygiene during processing is vital, especially for exports. Organic or ISO certifications add credibility but require investment and documentation.

Moreover, as more farmers enter the sector, raw leaf prices can fluctuate. Collaborating through FPOs, diversifying markets, and moving up the value chain can help stabilise earnings.

At a time when climate uncertainty and price crashes push farmers to seek resilient options, moringa stands out for its low risk and multi-use versatility. From fresh vegetable markets to international superfood aisles, its journey symbolises how a traditional Indian tree can power a modern, sustainable rural enterprise.

(Riya Singh is a Ranchi-based journalist who writes on environment, farming, sustainability, startups, & women empowerment)

Also Read: Couple leaves city life for organic moringa farming, clocks Rs10 lakh per acre 

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