Moringa oleifera, locally called as “Sohanjna”, is native to Punjab, Pakistan with its relatives in other parts of the world including India, Ghana, Cameroon, etc. For promising nutritional quality of moringa leaves being used as livestock fodder and plant growth enhancer, good oil quality of moringa seed oil and dietary potential of its roots, moringa is being a widely populated plant in dry tropics of the world. From last decade, many research trials have been conducted to optimise production technology and designing of post-harvest leaf processing technology. Here the research findings are being compiled briefly for different purposes.
Choosing moringa variety
In Pakistan, main moringa landraces are categorized based on seed coat colour i.e., black, off-white and dark brown. Black and off white are more common and both landraces are good in its nutrition.
Sowing time:
Moringa can be sown two times during a year.
1. 15 February to 1 April
2. 15 July to 15 September
Moringa propagation methods: Moringa can be grown through seeds or stem cuttings. Production through stem cutting is difficult to adapt at large scale while the production through seeds and transplantation of saplings are easy. However, to maintain genetic purity and as backyard tree stem cutting is better option. Stem cutting plantation is very popular and successful in southern Punjab, however, its success rate is poor in other parts of the country.
Production through seed is most suitable because moringa seed has no dormancy periods and can give 90-100% germination when planted as soon as they are mature and harvested. Moreover, moringa seeds have the ability to germinate even up to one year but the germination percentage drops rapidly during rainy season if poorly stored. In stored moringa seeds, germination can be improved through different measures which will be discussed later. The following steps should be carried out during direct seeding.
Direct seeding for cultivating livestock fodder
This method is mostly preferred for the purpose of leaf production to feed livestock as consumption of moringa leaves as livestock fodder can increase 15-20% milk increase in milk production. For this purpose;
• Make and keep the soil wet enough that the top soil should not get dry before seeding but not too wet the seeds drown in the water and struck by root rot (water condition)
• Ploughing of land to a depth of 50 cm
• Prefer to sow fresh mature seeds.
• Before sowing, soak the seeds in aerated water for 8 hours to enhance the germination rate.
• Generally moringa does not require any additional fertilizer. In either case, green manure of farm yard manure can be applied at the time of sowing.
• Moringa is planted on 30 cm high raised beds to facilitate drainage. Bed widths being tested vary from 60–200 cm. So, moringa seeds can be sown on raised beds at 30 × 60 cm planting density for leaf production to feed livestock. If soil is of good condition with no waterlogging or salinity problem and farmer can manage, the planting density can be kept at 100,000 plants per hectare (10 × 10 cm) out of which 60,000 plants can survive after two years. (This method can be used for extensive leaf production)
• Sow the seeds 2 cm deep in the soil by drill method.
• Prefer to place 2 or 3 seeds in one hole to avoid less number of plants.
• After one month, keep only one plant in each hole to avoid competition.
• Use any effective termiticide because termites are big danger to the moringa young saplings.
• When the crop gets a height of more than 3 feet, it can be cut keeping 3 feet remaining portion after every 30 days.
Moringa oliefera is known as a miracle plant. It is getting popularity world over as a highly beneficial plant. However, its response to saline conditions is rarely known. Salinity is a worldwide problem and in Pakistan more than 7 mha land is salt affected. Moringa has recently been introduced as a crop and getting popularity. Farmers are still confused about the type of the soil to be used for moringa. This study addresses this problem.This pot study explains the response of 4 moringa land-race on 4 saline conditions.
Moringa leaf extract is very effective tool of seed germination. How to use it? and how to handle after seed priming. This video explains the post priming care.
During II Moringa Symposium, Pretoria, South Africa, Dr Asati from India had a very interesting stall where he presented a large number of tasty moringa products. This interview of Dr Asati shows a range of products especially according to Sub continent taste buds. Most of these products are very easy to use and acceptable by the community. A good way to popularise the moringa consumption.
Cucumber is one of the most popular salad but its production especially off season is a big challenge. Green house production technology and hybrid seed are the best solutions. Cultivation of cucumber and other vegetables under controlled / semi controlled conditions is getting popular world wide. SPRUT seed corporation is a very prominent company in Pakistan working on import of hybrid seeds, green house related materials and production technology and marketing. The company has established an MOU with University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. This video demonstrates the production technology of hybrid cucumber at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Moringa is known for one the best natural supplement. A food which is very dense in most of the nutrients and vitamins required by a human being. Moringa is very effective in supplementation of poor unbalanced food. Moreover, lot of bioactive compounds are also present those are effective against many diseases. There is a misconception that moringa is a medicine, rather it is dietary supplement.
How to recognize a moringa plant and quality of its products. Many people confuse the moringa plant with so many other trees like Neem, Cyrus, amla etc. Here I shall explain some basic tips. Secondly during drying process we may loose its quality but how to judge? Then products in market may have poor quality. I am explaining in this video how to evaluate the quality of the produce so that people can safely use.
What is effective dose of moringa? There is no fixed universal dose of moringa. You have to adjust yourself according to your body need. Just listen to your body. Means start with lowest dose and see the body response. If you feel comfortable and positive response then gradually increase. Otherwise keeping taking low dose or intake and let your body adjust to moringa. Moringa detoxifies your body which people may take wrongly as the moringa is not suitable for them. Gradually in a few days the negative effect will be over. What is the lowest dose? Better take tea only for a few days. Then start taking 1/2 teaspoon of moringa dried leaf powder. Keep on increasing upto 2-4 teaspoons per day. But key point is adjust the dose according to the need and response of your body.
Moringa oliefera is a miracle tree having enormous health benefits. It is used for improving immune system and nutrient deficiencies. Moringa is also very effective against diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, arthritis, inflammation, body pains and arthritis. Moringa dried leaves are used by majority of the people. How long moringa can be used? Is there a specific dosage and period for using moringa? Is prolonged usage is harmful? No, moringa is a food supplement and can use safely used for prolonged period, even for whole life.
Moringa oliefera is one the best nutrient dense plant ever discovered. It is getting popularity as a wonderful dietary supplement. There are many ways to use, however majority of the people dont like its taste. Some of the traditional dishes of moringa are very tasty but they loose its nutritional value. Here I am presenting some very simple recipes in which nutritional and medicinal values are not lost. Ingredients 1. Fresh Moringa leaves (or dried leaf powder) 2. Fresh Mint Leaves 3. Coriander leaves 4. Green Chili 5. Lemon 6. Honey 7. Salt Wash the leaves and grind to a fine paste with mortal and pistle. In half paste add yogurt and salt. A very delicious Moringa Mint Sause is ready to use as dip, with rice In other half paste add lemon juice and honey. A very delicious moringa lemon honey sauce is ready.
Here are some easy and tasty ways of using moringa during Ramadhan and boosting immunity against Corona virus. Moringa oliefera is the most nutrient dense plant ever discovered. It is rich in minerals, vitamins and a large number of bioactive compounds (like flavonoids) which are very effective in fighting against many diseases. But it is always difficult how to use during ramadhan. In this video three simple ways are explained. 1. Moringa Sauce (Moringa chatni). Take a handful of fresh moringa leaves or 1 spoon of leaf powder grind with mint leaves, coriander leaves, onion, garlic, tomato, pepper, salt, yogurt (quantities vary according to taste). Grind to paste. Mix with yogurt or as such as dip sauce for iftaar dinner or pakora samosa etc. 2. Iftaar Moringa Energy Drink. Shake moringa and mint leaves (each 1 handful), add salt, pinch of black pepper powder, sugar or fruit of taste and…
Laughter is the best medicine. This is the way I work with students during nursery preparation, sowing and field work. I love to work with students. It not only keeps me active but students also love it. The work efficiency is also good. Moringa a passion for me and I involve my students and colleagues. We not only prepare nursery but also launch a distribution and plantation campaign.
Minimum recommended dose of moringa dried leaf powder for a normal person or a patient. Usually people take very low dose of moringa as a result the desired results are not received. According to clinical trials there is no moringa toxicity even 8 g for 28 days. However the minimum effective dose is 3 g per day and can be safely taken for life time. While for diabetic, Blood Pressure (BP), cholesterol, arthritis the minimum recommended dose 5-7 grams of dried leaf powder per day.
Moringa is getting popularity as a nutrient dense and lot of health benefits. However, there are always confusions about its methods of usage. This video explains the different methods being used and their benefits.
Moringa oliefera is known for its amazing medicinal, nutritional and industrial value. Moringa is especially very effective against some of the very common diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, cholesterol etc. This is an interview of a 76 years old patient who was declared unrecoverable and unfit for operation due to kidneys and heart issues. He then started taking moringa after watching an interview of Dr shahzad basra. Within 4 months he has amazing recovery and all clinical tests are normal.
Kashmir is life line of Pakistan. India has occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the last 70 years. The issue is being highlighted worldwide. Planting Moringa is a unique and healthy activity on this Kashmir Solidarity Day.
Organic farming. It comes to mind that production of crop naturally without chemicals, better nutrition but lower yield. But Dr Naveed has proved that with his bio fertilizer yields are higher, even static yields are improving. I personally visited and witnessed more than 80 rice tillers per hill and very wonderful moringa crop. All you need is a fermentor, C source and inoculumn. University of Agriculture Faisalabad is willing to help the farmers.
