Azeem Ahmed Khan

Pakistani farmers should grow moringa extensively and export its precious oil and dry leaves powder to tap into this lucrative opportunity, said a study jointly released by three agronomists from University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

The study titled ‘Super Foods’ prepared by Prof Shahzad Basra, Dr Irfan Afzal, and Dr Hafeezur Rahman has highlighted the economic and health benefits of moringa, often referred to as the miracle tree. In fact, given its wide range of applications, from agriculture and industry to health and nutrition, moringa in Pakistan stands as a symbol of sustainability and economic potential.

The study said the oil extracted from moringa’s seeds is of good quality, equalling olive oil. This oil is also used in cosmetics, anti-aging skincare products, and even as a lubricant in high-end watches. Its wide application in hair and skincare makes it a key ingredient in some of the world’s most expensive beauty products. Moringa oil is also suitable for cooking, adding another layer to its economic worth. With its status as one of the world’s most expensive oils, its export potential remains largely untapped in Pakistan, the report stressed.

Moringa also has transformative applications in agriculture, the study said. When the leaves are crushed into juice and sprayed on crops, yields can rise by 15-35%, even in vegetables. Although moringa does not replace fertilizers, the natural compounds in its spray help plants absorb nutrients more effectively and even strengthen their resistance to pests and diseases, the study highlighted. The same leaf extract, when used as a seed soak before sowing, boosts germination and overall plant health.

Moringa grows quickly and thrives in Pakistan's climate, especially in Sindh and southern Punjab, where it has been traditionally used for generations. Today, these trees are found across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Moringa is also highly beneficial for livestock as it is rich in iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and protein. It improves animal health and enhances their appetite, the study said.

Some studies have shown that mixing 50 to 100 grams of dried moringa leaves or four to five kilogrammes of fresh moringa leaves in fodder can significantly increase milk production and weight gain in cows and buffaloes. The leaves also serve as an effective protein supplement for poultry. Moringa also plays a role in pest management because its seeds and leaves contain compounds that help control crop diseases and repel harmful insects, the study said. The study added that moringa becomes a powerful organic pesticide, when it is combined with natural ingredients like neem, tobacco leaves, and green chilies.

Moringa is also environmentally friendly as its deep roots prevent soil erosion and do not deplete soil nutrients, while the fallen leaves enrich the soil naturally, the study noted. By planting moringa along field borders, farmers can not only improve soil health but also earn additional income from leaf and seed sales.

Commercial cultivation of moringa is quite feasible. From a single acre, farmers can produce 1.5 to 2 tonnes of moringa dry leaves powder, which can be processed and sold in capsule, tablet, and powder form domestically and internationally, the study said.

Moringa is a fast-growing tree and it thrives in most parts of Pakistan, except in snow-prone regions. Its trees start producing seeds within a year, and one tree in one season produces 0.5kg seeds. About 250 milliliters of oil can be extracted per kilogramme, the study said. Moringa oleifera is a special type of this plant, which has a lot of nutritional and medical importance for both humans and animals. Fortunately, this type is mostly found in Pakistan, which is locally known as ‘Sohanjana’.

Moringa seeds are also used in water purification. They eliminate up to 99% of bacteria and sediment from contaminated water, offering a safer and more natural alternative to chemical purifiers like alum, which may pose health risks, the study said. Given Pakistan’s clean water crisis, moringa-based purification could become a lifesaving solution for millions as many African countries are already using moringa’s seeds to purify water.

Moringa packed with vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, makes a valuable daily supplement, while it also helps regulate cholesterol and boosts immunity. Whether used to raise healthy children, maintain energy levels in adults, or prevent diseases in the elderly, moringa provides comprehensive nutritional support. Its continued use helps preserve antioxidants in the body, reduces fatigue, and may even offer protection against cancer, the study highlighted.

Research has also shown that moringa leaves contain twice as much calcium as milk, four times as much vitamin A as carrots, seven times as much vitamin C as oranges, three times as much potassium as bananas, two times as much protein as yoghurt, three times as much iron as spinach, and three times as much vitamin E as almonds. Similarly, the moringa’s dry leaves powder contain 10 times as much vitamin A as carrots, 17 times as much calcium as milk, 15 times as much potassium as bananas, 25 times as much iron as spinach, nine times as much protein as yoghurt, and 12 times as much vitamin E as almonds, the study said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk