Moringa (Drumstick) Cultivation — Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu accounts for 80% of India's moringa production with Krishnagiri and Salem as the main districts. Moringa oleifera grows fast from seed or cutting, bearing drumstick pods within 6 months. Pods, leaves, flowers, and seeds are all commercially harvested: pods sold as vegetable (₹40–80/kg), leaves dried and powdered for nutraceutical export (₹300–500/kg), seeds pressed for ben oil used in cosmetics and water purification. The tree is extremely drought-resistant, requiring only one irrigation after establishment. Farmers prune to ankle height annually for high leaf yield. Key export markets: USA, EU, Japan for moringa powder. Moringa is called murungai in Tamil; every part is used in Siddha medicine. PKM-1 and PKM-2 hybrid varieties developed at Horticultural College Periyakulam.