Moringa power to boost growth

Superfood moringa is grown everywhere in Karur district. The Aravai murungai from the Aravakurichi area is especially popular. With 3,000 hectares under the crop in the district, 400 tonnes-500 tonnes of drumsticks are transported every day for 6-8 months in a year to nearby markets. From there they make it to other states and even abroad.

And therein lies the challenge for Karur. Since the farmers only sell the raw produce, the revenue generated annually is a mere `100 crore to `200 crore. Industry estimates place the business potential of value-added moringa products from Karur region alone at `5,000 crore to `6,000 crore per annum.

The Tamil Nadu government had some time ago declared seven districts, including Karur, as moringa export zones to usher in value addition and boost farmers income. It is now working on establishing a 15-acre moringa park near Aravakurichiq to set up multiple processing units.