NIGERIA – Fifteen thousand hectares of moringa tree crop farms will be established in Nigeria’s Ogoja, Yala, Boki, Biase and Etung Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
The planting according to the project’s development Consultant, Prof. Ebigwai Joseph, will take effect in the next nine months upon completion of necessary documentation and government protocols.
A UK Global Company which interfaced with the state government last week is to establish farms.
According to their local news outlet, the company plans to mobilize several youths across the country to cultivate Moringa trees during the next rainy season.
“Each of the beneficiaries will be given a plot of land and Moringa seeds at no cost, to cultivate,” outlined the report.
There’s a proposal by the company to additionally establish 7,500 barrels per day (BDP) Biodiesel refinery where they will rely on the Moringa tree crop farms for production once established.
The “seed cake” from the biodiesel will be used as an alternative fertilizer source for other farm crops according to the project’s development Consultant, Prof. Ebigwai Joseph.
He explained that the five LGAs were selected due to the previous test samples carried out to ascertain that the soil can fully support the moringa tree cultivation.
“Funds for compensation processes shall be provided after the enumeration and valuation of the land,” he assured.
Moringa is a tree native to India and Africa and is traditionally used as both food and a source of alternative medicine given its rich source of multiple vitamins and minerals, and healthy antioxidants.
The global market value of moringa products according to Statista was valued at USD 7.71 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach USD 17.55 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.57% from 2022 to 2030.
A market intelligence report by Agri Exchange predicts that Increasing demand for food supplements owing to rising awareness about nutrition growing geriatric population, hectic lifestyle, and rising disposable income shall foster the moringa ingredients market growth.
“The Global dietary supplements market surpassed USD 125 billion in 2018,” reads the report, “Moringa tea market size from online distribution channel may register gains close to 7.5% during the forecast time period 2019-2025.”
India is the prime producer of Moringa (Drumstick) with an annual production of 2.2 million tonnes of tender fruits from an area of 43,600 ha leading to the productivity of around 51 tonnes per ha.
The crop accounts for around 80% of global demand. In India, most moringa is produced on large plantations as a conventional ingredient.
The value-added products of moringa according to the report include Moringa Leaf Powder, Moringa Leaf Tablets, Moringa Capsules, Moringa Oil, Moringa Tea, Moringa Energy Bars, Moringa Gum Powder, Moringa Drops, and Moringa Oil Cake.
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