International Journal of Horticulture, 2017, Vol.7, No.30, 275-287
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perennial Moringa is enriched with much of nutritional and pharmaceutical importance, the cultivation of
Perennial Moringa in the sample farm households are predominant.
6.3.2 Factors governing profitability of Moringa
The profitability of Moringa is influenced by certain factors. Though certain farmers are not conversant and has
clarity on which parameter mostly influences the profitability, the researcher has given highlights on certain
factors and then the farmer could say something about the factors and hence those factors have been analyzed and
the details are presented in the Table 10.
Table 10 Factors Governing the Profitability of Moringa
S. No.
Factors Governing the Profitability of Moringa
No. of Farmers Reported
Thoothukkudi
Tiruppur
1.
Selection and Adoption of High Yielding Varieties of Moringa
24 (48.00)
14 (28.00)
2.
Sowing of Moringa in Appropriate Season
03 (06.00)
05 (10.00)
3.
Moringa Variety that should have Greater Consumer Acceptance
09 (18.00)
08 (16.00)
4.
Adoption and Management of Ratoon Crop in Moringa
04 (08.00)
11 (22.00)
5.
Adoption of Appropriate Post Harvest Management Practices
10 (20.00)
12 (24.00)
Total
50 (100.00)
50 (100.00)
Table 10 revealed a different response in respect of sample farms drawn from Thoothukkudi and Tiruppur
Districts in respect of Profitability aspects of Moringa. In respect of sample farms from Thoothukkudi District,
they were of the opinion that the Selection and Adoption of High Yielding varieties of Moringa is one of the
Principal factor that decides profitability. But it is not that much reflected in respect of farms from Tiruppur
District. It might be due to the expertise developed in this regard in raising both perennial types and high yielding
varieties of Moringa. The higher percentage of respondents from Thoothukkudi reported that the high yielding
varieties of Moringa could enhance the profitability.
The Moringa variety practiced should have greater consumer acceptance with regard to taste of the vegetable as
well as marketability specifically the size of Moringa. Higher the length of the Moringa vegetable or pod is not
much preferred by the consumers and producers. The response of the farmers with regard to this factor is almost
equal and hence the breeders who are involved in making new varieties for release should take care of this
sensitive factor.
The most important factor is “Adoption of Appropriate Post Harvest Management Practices” which is also
contributing to the profitability as reported by the sample farmers of Thoothukkudi and Tiruppur Districts which
are also almost equal and ranked as second important factor that decides the profitability. The post harvest
measures included are harvesting methods, transportation methods, processing methods like drying and value
addition. Around 20 to 24 per cent of the sample farms have expressed this as a most important factor and hence
immediately after harvest of Moringa pods or Moringa leaves, the post harvest management issue should be
properly looked into and one should see that the aspects are being implemented properly or sequentially or not.
Hence those who are planning to establish the Moringa orchards, these factors must also be given a fillip to earn
higher profitability.
6.3.3 Steps involved in post harvest practices for Moringa leaves
Various steps are involved in processing of Moringa leaves and Pods for manufacturing various products like
Moringa leaf Powder, Moringa Leaf Tablets, Moringa Capsules, Moringa Chips etc. The steps involved are
arranged orderly and sequentially and the details are presented in Table 11.
While doing labeling the following points must be taken into account. They are
Name of the Product
Net Content in Grams or Mg
Name and Address of the Producer or the Manufacturer
