Drumstick, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, belongs to the family Moringaceae. Nutrients rich green leaves and green fruit pod and flower buds make drumstick one of the most delicious tropical plants.

Drumstick is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent.

The moringa leaf is rich in protein and contains essential amino acids, potassium, calcium and vitamins A, B and C. The leafy vegetable can be taken fresh or dried.

The oil extracted from Moringa seeds is used as vegetable oil and biofuel. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dyes, animal and fish feed. Interestingly, the oil is even used in water purification products!

Moringa has a good growth rate and the leaves are generally harvested in about 2.5 months.

Moringa trees are grown for pod production and harvested after seven months from planting. Pod yields are about 19 kg pods/tree/year, equivalent to 30 tonnes pods a year per hectare.

Diverse varieties and cultivation types of moringa are found in specific parts of India. Among the released varieties and local types, only PKM 1 and PKM 2 have the most popular and good export preference.

Major Moringa producing states in India are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

India is a major Moringa producing country, accounting for about 80 percent of global demand. India produces about 1.1 to 1.3 million tons of Moringa annually. Other producing countries are Ghana, Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Niger, Mozambique, Cambodia and Haiti.

India is the major supplier of Morniga products. India exported moringa leaves worth Rs 14.6 crore in 2015, compared to Rs 11.61 crore in 2014. Growing at a rate of 26% to 30% annually, the export of moringa leaves is a big business in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Odisha.

The major moringa products importing countries are European Union, United States of America, China and Gulf Countries.

Top moringa leaves importing countries are China, the US, Germany, Canada, South Korea and European countries.