Introduction-
Indian superfood moringa. It is a plant that can be grown practically anyplace in India, is inexpensive, and is high in protein and fiber. Consumption of the leaf, fruit, and flowers The flowers don’t exist commercially and have a very limited shelf life. The leaves can be served cooked or raw in salads. The fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals and is employed in a number of ayurvedic treatments.
Moringa is widely used. It cures a variety of ailments, including malnutrition, constipation, and obesity. The leaves are exceptional because they contain a lot of protein and more vitamin C than oranges. It is reported to have more iron than spinach by nine times, higher calcium than milk, greater potassium than bananas, and more vitamin A than carrots. To make capsules, dried and powdered moringa leaves are used. Because of the many advantages of moringa, there is a need that has to be met.
This is why this blog will cover all the details related to Moringa cultivation so that you can reap the benefits.
Why are drumsticks regarded as a superfood?
The required dietary allotment is completely stocked with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, nutrients, and minerals found in greens and flowers (RDA). The drumstick is abundant in A, B, and vitamins C, D, and E. Minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and iron are abundant in them. Drumstick also includes plant-based amino acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and other nutrients such as Carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutritional benefits.
Prerequisites for moringa farming
Different Drumsticks
According to Ayurveda and public-sector-created varieties, moringa may be classified into many categories.
According to Ayurveda, there are three varieties of moringa: Rakta (white variety), Shveta (red variety), and Shyama (black variety) (Red variety).
Planting and preparing the land
The soil mixture should be thin and moderately acidic, and one part sandy so there is no growth of insects. In general, drumstick plants don’t need much watering, although e parts soil. Soil preparation and seeding (6.2 to 7.0 pH). Summer is when the moringa plant develops the fastest. Thus, its seeds are sown in the late winter. The leftover area in the perforations can be covered with soft soils and manure after the seeds have been inserted into 30 cm deep and 30 cm wide holes.
The seeds will start to germinate 5 to 10 days after being planted. The plants and weeds do need to be watered often in the summer and during dry spells.
Propagation:
Growing Moringa commercially requires the use of seeds for propagation. Stem propagation is quicker, significantly more efficient, and results in superior development. Unless weather and soil circumstances change, the benefit of stem propagation is that it produces plants of the same kind as the parent with the same yield. However, because it is unable to get stem on a big scale, producers must instead grow moringa from seeds for commercial production. Fortunately, a large selection of trustworthy seeds is readily accessible nowadays to guarantee high-quality plants.
Treatment for Insects
Although some pests, like fuzzy caterpillars, moringa worms, pod flies, foliage caterpillars, and bark caterpillars, can harm drumstick plants, for the most part, pests stay away from them. To keep these pests away from moringa, employ the following methods:
Alternate host plants should be plowed under and destroyed in the summer.
Avoid having nearby plants overlap one another.
Spread 7-8 kg of compost into each hole to provide the nutrients the moringa plant need.
Prepare to grow intercropping ginger and legumes in place of the previous crop’s leftovers. Use light, well-draining soil.
Mist 5% Neem seed kernel extract after 35 days and at 50% plant growth to avoid pod fly.
Solarize the topsoil using a transparent plastic sheet to burn weeds.
The leaves and pods of drumsticks must also be safeguarded against livestock like cattle, goats, and sheep since they will consume them. Plants will be safeguarded if an appropriate fence is installed around them.
Drumstick harvesting
Drumstick pods should be harvested when they are still young (1 cm diameter). Although mature pods have stiff exterior coverings, they are nonetheless edible.
Drumstick leaves can be picked after the plant reaches a height of 150 to 200 cm, which takes 3 to 4 months in healthy soil.
Drumstick farming yield
Trees can produce two fresh leaves every year, depending on the type of tree planted and agricultural techniques. yearly harvests Additionally, new pods can be picked twice a year depending on the tree variety.
A drumstick planter can produce 18 to 20 tons of pods per acre per year with proper cultivation.
Furthermore, each acre produces 25 to 32 metric tons of leaves every year.
Drumstick vegetable marketing
Both domestically and internationally, there is a high demand for drumstick leaves and the goods made from them.
its therapeutic and nutritional benefits. Researchers have shown that demand is always increasing. both domestically and abroad for drumstick tea and drumstick seed oil. A producer can sell their unprocessed goods to commission brokers or to companies that prepare Moringa directly. finished goods. Social media and internet marketing are the most effective ways to promote agricultural products.
Points to consider-
- For faster germination, soak the seeds for 24 hours, then air dry them in the shade prior to planting.
- If you reside in an area with a cold environment, sow the sprouts in a large container and keep them indoors.
- Drumstick requires soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and good drainage.
- Every year or every two years, flowers bloom. Pruning since they grow quickly if left uncontrolled and within a few years grow to 40 feet.
- Drumstick pods should be harvested while they are young and fragile, about 1/2 an inch in diameter.
- Harvest young seedlings, developing tips, and young leaves for fresh greens.
- Harvest elder leaves to make dry leaf powder.
- Leave the maturing pods on the vine until they are completely dried out in order to obtain the seed oil.
Final words
Starting a new business may appear to be an impossible endeavor from a distance, but as you become more familiar with the fundamentals, your confidence and knowledge will also begin to grow. Therefore, it’s vital that you maintain your focus and discipline after a strong start. You now have a solid grasp of the key elements and essentials needed to thrive in this industry. For further information, you can check out the ffreedom app and find a variety of courses and modules in this industry for a clearer and better comprehension.
