This year, people in Tanore are hopeful of a bumper production of moringa, a vegetable highly valued for its taste and also known as a “superfood” because of its medicinal properties.
In Tanore of Rajshahi, thousands of moringa trees grow along roadsides. Photo: BSS
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In Tanore of Rajshahi, thousands of moringa trees grow along roadsides. Photo: BSS
In Tanore of Rajshahi, thousands of moringa trees growing along roadsides, in homestead yards, and in fields-often neglected and unattended-are now covered with white blossoms.
Local residents expect that moringa worth more than one crore taka will be sold this year.
This year, people in Tanore are hopeful of a bumper production of moringa, a vegetable highly valued for its taste and also known as a “superfood” because of its medicinal properties.
Almost every household yard in the two municipalities and seven unions of Tanore upazila has two to four moringa trees.
Numerous moringa trees have also grown along different roads across the upazila.
Since moringa is grown without the use of pesticides or special care, there is virtually no production cost.
Farmers simply plant a branch in the ground beside their homes or in fields; over time, it develops roots, grows into a suitable tree, and later produces moringa pods.
Besides meeting household vegetable needs, producers also earn extra income by selling the moringa in local markets.
Throughout the season, moringa is sold at prices ranging from Tk80 to Tk100 per kilogram. After meeting local demand, the vegetable is also transported and sold in different parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka.
Traders collect moringa from markets such as Kaliganj, Gollapara, Chaubaria, Mundumala, Talanda, and Elamdahi and sell it in various regions across the country.
Ashraful Islam Ranju of Chunia Para village under Mundumala municipality said several moringa trees in front of his house have blossomed heavily this year, and he expects a good yield.
He said that after meeting household needs, the produce can also be sold in the market.
Sujon from Bataspur village said moringa trees in front of his house, as well as those in front of almost every house in the village and along the roadsides, are full of flowers this year, indicating a good harvest ahead.
Dr Barnabas Hasdak, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer at the Upazila Health Complex, said moringa is a vegetable rich in nutrients. It is particularly effective in addressing vitamin A deficiency and also works as a preventive food for paralysis.
Moringa contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin C. It helps regulate cholesterol levels in the human body and is beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
In addition to its pods, moringa leaves can also be eaten as leafy vegetables.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Saifullah Ahmed said moringa, an environmentally friendly and economically beneficial vegetable, is often called the “miracle tree.”
The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the tree are all edible. Moringa is rich in antioxidants, which help boost human immunity. It can be cultivated on unused or fallow land near homes.
Moreover, because the tree is tolerant to cold, heat, and drought, it can grow almost anywhere in Bangladesh. Moringa trees are also largely free from major diseases
He added that if the weather remains favorable, at least 200 metric tons of moringa are expected to be produced in the upazila this year, with a market value of at least Tk1 crore.
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