Every 15 days, bundles of fresh moringa leaves leave farms in Dharmapuri for Singapore and Dubai, bringing farmers a steady income that many say is more reliable than traditional crops.Farmers in the district, particularly in Palacode and surrounding villages, say exporters have begun buying directly from them and sending consignments overseas.“We sell the moringa for Rs 30 to Rs 50 per bundle and earn about Rs 70,000 per acre per month on average,” says R Kumar, a farmer from Gummanur. “We make profits of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh over a three-month cycle.”Exporters say the growing demand stems from moringa’s reputation as a superfood. Often referred to as the “miracle tree”, moringa is increasingly being used in health supplements, functional foods and nutrition programmes. Its leaves are said to be rich in protein, calcium, iron and antioxidants such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid and to contain all nine essential amino acids.“Moringa powder is in high demand abroad. And the quality of moringa from Dharmapuri is good,” says S Prakash, an exporter from Hosur.Officials say government support such as a 100% subsidy for drip irrigation systems, has helped expand cultivation. “Farmers can maintain regular yields while keeping costs low,” says a horticulture official. “Dharmapuri is emerging as a hub for moringa exports. The model here is being replicated in other districts to meet rising global demand.”Drip irrigation allows us to harvest regularly,” says M Rajendran, a farmer in Marandahalli. “We don’t have to worry anymore about having a steady income.”India met nearly 80% of global demand for moringa leaves. The global moringa export market was projected to reach Rs 1,000 crore by 2030.
