The plant known as Moringa oleifera, also called drumstick tree, horseradish tree or Sajina is an essential life-saving plant. Although there hasn’t been much research on it in Bangladesh, many countries around the world have conducted extensive research on its uses, including plant growth hormones, medicine, and paper making. In our country, it has been used as a medicinal plant and as a vegetable for a long time.
Moringa trees can be found growing without much care, especially along village roads and in residential courtyards. The flowers and leaves of the Moringa tree are not only used as vegetables but also as animal feed. The leaves, rich in vitamins A, B, C, nicotinic acid, protein, fatty substances, and carbohydrates, can be used to improve physical strength and appetite. In India, the soup made from Moringa is popular for restoring taste, especially during seasonal changes.
It’s important to note that Moringa is not just a nutritious vegetable; it is also a medicinal plant.
Moringa leaves:
Scientists have found that Moringa leaves are packed with nutrients, making them especially beneficial for vegetarians. When compared in quantity, Moringa leaves contain 7 times the vitamin C of an orange, 4 times the calcium of milk, twice the protein of meat, 4 times the vitamin A of a carrot, and 3 times the potassium of a banana. Additionally, Moringa leaves contain many essential nutrients including 42% fat, 125% calcium, 61% magnesium, 41% potassium, 71% iron, 272% vitamin A, and 22% vitamin C. Just one tablespoon of dry Moringa leaf powder provides 14% of essential nutrients, 40% of calcium, and 23% of iron and vitamin A for children aged 1-2 years. For pregnant or lactating mothers, consuming 6 teaspoons of Moringa leaf powder daily can provide all the necessary calcium and iron.
Flowers:
Moringa flowers are good to eat in spring as they are a spring antidote. They are effective in treating colds and coughs, supporting liver function, preventing worms, and enhancing energy.
Drumsticks:
Moringa drumsticks contain a lot of amino acids, making it good for arthritis sufferers.
Seeds:
Oil is obtained from Moringa seeds, which is used in the preparation of rheumatism medicines. Ben oil, used to fix clocks, is also obtained from its seeds.
Bark:
Rope is made from the bark of Moringa Tree.
Climate
Moringa is tolerant of extreme environmental conditions but grows best at temperatures between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius and in areas with 250 to 1500 mm of rainfall. It can tolerate sandy loam to loam soils with a pH of 5.0 to 9.0. Fertilizers are not required for Moringa because it has wide and deep roots. However, if urea and organic fertilizers are applied, the plants grow better.
Propagation
This tree can be propagated through seeds and branches. However, in our country, the method of cultivating seedlings from seeds is not commonly practiced due to its expense, labor-intensiveness, and time-consuming nature. To propagate through seeds, ripe fruits should be collected from the tree in April-May. The seeds can be obtained by drying and cracking these fruits. These seeds can be stored in a dry, airtight container for 1-6 months. After this period, the seeds can be sown in soil or in poly bags in July-August. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked for 24 hours to aid in seedling growth, which typically takes 10 to 20 days. After the seedlings emerge, regular irrigation, fertilizer application, and care are necessary. It is worth noting that seed propagation results in later fruit production compared to organ propagation by cuttings.
Organ propagation through cuttings is more common due to its simplicity and lower cost. For this method, healthy and undamaged branches with a diameter of 4-5 centimeters or a length of 5-6 cubits are preferred. When planting the branch, it should be positioned with its head and base at the same level as when it was on the tree. Before planting, make a sharp cut at the base of the branch, being careful not to cause any damage. This increases the chances of the branch’s survival. The base of the branch should be buried about one hand’s length below the ground, and care should be taken to ensure it remains stable after planting. Organ propagation through cuttings is typically carried out in our country from mid to end of April, as the trees are pruned after drumsticks collection during this time, making them readily available. Additionally, the presence of two rains at this time ensures the survival of the planted pulse cuttings.
Fertilizer Application
For a good yield of Moringa, the following fertilizers per pit should be applied: rotted dung/compost 40-50 kg, TSP 50 gm, Urea 10 gm, MOP/Potash 100 gm, Gypsum 10 gm, Dtassar 10 gm, and Boron fertilizer 10 gm.
When planting Moringa seedlings, the above fertilizers should be mixed with soil and covered in each hole 20-30 days before planting. Additionally, without using chemical fertilizers, mix 40-50 kg of rotted dung manure well with the soil of the pit and plant the seedling immediately.
Fertilizer application after planting: Apply 40-50 kg of rotted cow dung, 500 grams of urea, TSP, and MOP for each tree. Also, apply 50 grams of Gypsum, Borax, and Zinc Sulphate fertilizer. If the tree is exposed to direct sunlight in the afternoon, cut the soil around the tree with a spade and mix the fertilizer well with the soil. Additionally, every year, apply 40-50 kg of rotted cow dung and 500 grams of urea, TSP, and MOP fertilizers, along with 20 grams of Gypsum, Borax, and Zinc Sulphate fertilizers at an increased rate.
Care
Moringa plants do not require much care. However, to prevent infestation by cattle and goats, the plants should be protected to ensure they grow large and produce good yields. Fertilizers and pesticides are not needed much in the soil.
Moringa Head Cutting or Bushing
When the tree is 1 meter high, the first tip should be cut. By cutting the head 2-3 times without allowing the tree to grow too tall, it will bear more fruit and grow faster. When planting seedlings, the first 10 cm should be cut. If the tip grows back, cut it at 20 cm. Then, cut off all the remaining parts, leaving the desired tip. This will make the tree bushy, resulting in a higher yield and easier fruit collection. Otherwise, the long branches will have little Moringa, which will need to be pruned during planting.
Irrigation
Newly planted trees should be irrigated to promote quick root growth. Irrigation is necessary for about two months during dry and sunny periods. Once the Moringa tree is established, it does not require much water.
Pest and Disease Control
The Moringa tree is relatively tolerant to pests and diseases, with occasional infestations. For instance, root rot disease can occur in waterlogged soil due to Diplodia. Insects tend to attack more in dry and cold conditions. Yellowing disease is caused by insect pests. Major pests include termites, aphids, and whiteflies. If infestation is high, chemical control measures should be taken.
Medicinal properties
High Blood Pressure:
Fresh juice of ripe Moringa leaves should be taken with water, 2 or 3 spoons before meals for two hours to reduce blood pressure within a week. However, those with glucose in their urine or blood should not consume it.
Tumors and Boils:
Applying the leaves to boils or tumors can often lead to their disappearance and relieve swelling and pain.
Fever:
The decoction of leaves or cooked vegetables can provide relief from fever.
Hiccups:
Mixing 2-5 drops of leaf juice with milk and consuming it 2-3 times can be beneficial.
Piles:
Applying sesame oil and moistening the leaves with boiled decoction can reduce pain in the case of piles without bleeding.
Eye Pain or Stinging:
Applying boiled leaves and water can help alleviate eye pain.
Ringworm:
Applying its root bark is beneficial, but it should not be used daily.
Nutritional Content per 100 grams of Moringa
– Combustible portion = 83.3 g
– Minerals = 1.9 grams
– Fiber = 4.8 grams
– Food energy = 60 kcal
– Protein = 3.2 grams
– Fat = 0.1 g
– Sugars = 11.4 grams
– Calcium = 21.0 mg
– Iron = 5.3 mg
– Carotene = 750 micrograms
– Vitamin B1 = 0.04 mg
– Vitamin B2 = 0.02 mg
– Vitamin C = 45.0 mg
Cultivation of Moringa can be highly profitable, and with its numerous benefits and wide cultivation in village houses, it presents a promising commercial opportunity compared to other vegetables.
