Moringa Oleifera is that the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is that the only genus within the family Moring aceae. English common names include: moringa, drumstick tree (from the looks of the long, slender, triangular seed-pods), horseradish tree (from the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish), ben oil tree, or benzoil tree (from the oil which springs from the seeds). The powder prepared from drumstick are often used as a flavoring agent for various non-vegetarian dishes to enhance the flavour of chicken or meat and may even be used for drumstick soup preparation by adding spice powder and other ingredients. Additionally it also can be used as a thickening agent for Sambar and chutney preparation, instant soup powder and in parotta alongside potato as a flavour enhancer.
India is that the largest producer of moringa, with an annual production of 1.1 to 1.3 million tonnes of fruits from a neighborhood of 380 km². Among Indian states, Andhra Pradesh leads in both area and production (156.65 km²) followed by Karnataka (102.8 km²) and Tamil Nadu (74.08 km²), a pioneering state having varied genotypes from diversified geographical areas and introductions from Sri Lanka. Drumstick is one among the world’s most useful trees with potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, and foster rural development and support sustainable land care. From leaves and root to pods and seeds, all parts of the drumstick tree are highly edible.
The increasing awareness about the health advantages of moringa products will be one of the major factors that will have a positive impact on the global moringa products market during the forecast period. Over the years, moringa products such as moringa leaf powder have seen a growth in the sales in the global market. The rising health awareness in countries such as Europe and Americas have given rise to the increasing usage of moringa products by the consumers. This will drive the moringa products market future growth till 2022.
India is the prevalent producer of Moringa with an annual production of 1.3 million tonnes of tender fruits from an area of 38,000ha. Among the states, Andhra Pradesh leads in both area and production (15,665 ha) followed by Karnataka (10,280 ha) and Tamil Nadu (7,408 ha). In other states, it occupies an area of 4,613 ha.
The drumstick is valued mainly for its tender pods, which are relished as vegetable but all its parts – bark, root, fruit, flowers, leaves, seeds and even gum – are of medicinal value. They are used in the treatment of as cites, rheumatism and venomous bites as antiseptic and as cardiac and circulatory stimulants. India is the largest producer of drumstick with an annual production of 1.1 to 1.3 million tonnes grown over 38,000 hectares. Gujarat state provides a large market for drumstick. All districts in Maharashtra, Indore, Gwalior, Madras, Kerala whole of South India, Uttar Pradesh provide a good potential for inland Market.
In pharmaceutical there are number of verticals but nutraceutical is an area which is growing at faster speed in India due to awareness for healthcare. Increased life span in India and growing population of senior citizens has increased the demand for nutraceutical products and their ingredients like drumstick powder. It’s estimated that nutraceuticals demand is growing at the speed of 10% once a year. Drumstick may be a natural medicine for nourishment & digestive disorder. Moringa leaves and pods can help decrease developing countries’ dependence on imported goods, like vitamin and mineral complexes that ward off nutritional deficiency but are too expensive to be utilized in a sustainable way.
Originated from India, moringa trees are now found in Ghana, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Niger, Mozambique, Cambodia and Haiti. Today, the moringa market globally is estimated at more than Rs 27,000 crore, which is expected to cross Rs 47, 250 crore by 2020, growing at a rate of nine per cent per year.
Few Indian major players are as under
Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
Ayurvedshri Herbals Ltd.
Ganga Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Gayatri Herbals Pvt. Ltd.
Indian Medicines Pharmaceuticals Corp. Ltd.
Heal Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd.
Kerala Ayurveda Ltd.
Indus Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
Surya Herbal Ltd.
Sanatan Herbal & Naturals Ltd.
