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Moringa (drumstick) cultivation

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is a fast-growing drought-tolerant tree-vegetable producing pods, leaves and seed oil. Annual cultivars PKM-1 and PKM-2 from TNAU's Horticultural Research Station, Periyakulam fruit within 3-4 months and bear 200-225 pods/tree/year; ICAR-CHES has recently released Thar Harsha and Thar Tejas.

Key characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera Lam., Moringaceae
  • TNAU Varieties: PKM-1, PKM-2 (annual types)
  • ICAR Varieties: Thar Harsha, Thar Tejas (ICAR-CHES)
  • Yield: 20-22 t/ha pods under good management
  • Spacing Density: 1.5x1.0 m, 13,333 plants/ha under drip

Cultivation and adoption

India's pod yields average 20-22 t/ha at 1.5x1.0 m spacing under drip fertigation. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka lead production.

See also: Moringa Leaf Powder.

References

  1. Annual Moringa - TNAU Agritech. https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/horticulture/horti_vegetables_annualmoringa.html
  2. Drumstick varieties Thar Harsha and Thar Tejas - ICAR. https://www.icar.org.in/en/drumstick-varieties-thar-harsha-and-thar-tejas-opportunity-towards-self-sufficiency