International Journal of Horticulture, 2017, Vol.7, No.30, 275-287
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Table 3 Factors Influencing Moringa Cultivation
S. No.
Factors in Favor of Moringa
No. of Farmers Reported
Thoothukkudi
Tiruppur
1.
Higher Return from Moringa Orchard
16 (32.00)
18 (36.00)
2.
Availability of Land and Water Resources
08 (16.00)
03 (6.00)
3.
Minimal Pest Problems
02 (4.00)
05 (10.00)
4.
Sustainable Income Generation
18 (36.00)
16 (32.00)
5.
Good Market Demand for Moringa Produce
06 (12.00)
08 (16.00)
Total
50 (100.00)
50 (100.00)
Note: Field Survey (Figures in Parentheses indicate Percentage to Total)
Table 3 revealed that the factors are positively influencing to the farmers in the study area. The influencing
factors are delineated as follows
Higher Return from Moringa
Sustainable Income Generation
Availability of Land and Water Resources for Establishing Moringa
Good Market Demand for Moringa Products in the National and International markets
Minimal Pest Problems and able to control the same through organic way
Among these factors, the Thoothukkudi farmers were of the opinion that the Sustainable Income generation
possibilities are available with Moringa and hence they prefer the crop maximum followed by Higher return from
Moringa. These two are the most influencing factors to the farmers of Thoothukkudi District. Whereas, Higher
returns from Moringa followed by Sustainable income generation are the factors dearer to the people of Tiruppur
District. Though these factors are very closely related to income realization, the farmers are much interested in
Moringa plantations owing to heavy market demand that exists in the National and International Markets. The factor of
‘Good Market Demand’ is being ranked by them to the fourth rank and indirectly supporting the farmers to enter into
higher area under Moringa cultivation. How much income over the costs are being generated by the farmers is
important in this context and hence the details on economic incentives are analyzed and details are discussed
elsewhere.
6.2 Costs and returns in Moringa plantations
A developing country like India needs not only food on quantitative terms but also the food must be qualitative
and should possess the nutrient requirements of the body which is not available to many in the rural and urban
settings. Moringa is one of the best alternative which could serve the nutritious food. Hence in the daily diet of an
individual, one should take Moringa products daily to lead a healthy and energetic life. Production of the Moringa
as vegetables and conversion of the vegetables into value added products depends on the supply of quality output
from the farm. Ensuring the regular supply not only promotes healthy life but also promotes economy and hence
one should analyze whether the Moringa plantation and its establishment is dearer to the farm community so that
they could ensure sustainable supply. In this respect, the economic incentives associated with Moringa cultivation
is discussed under the following heads.
Establishment Cost for Perennial Moringa Plantations
Details of Maintenance Cost involved in Perennial Moringa Plantations
Yield and Income Potentials of Perennial Moringa Plantations
Cost of Production of Annual Moringa
Economics of Moringa Plantations
6.2.1 Establishment cost for perennial Moringa plantations
The establishment cost or the cost incurred in the zero time period comprise rental value of land, cost of plant
material, cost of farm houses, expenditure on farm equipments, fencing etc assumes greater importance and hence
the details of establishment cost incurred by the sample farmers are analyzed and the results are presented in
Table 4.
