Moringa, widely known as “Sajina” in Bangladesh, is a highly popular plant. The edible part, called “Pod” or “Drumstick” in English, is consumed as a vegetable. During the season, the price of Sajina pods ranges from BDT 100-150 per kg, whereas off-season prices can go up to BDT 250-300 per kg. Given its high value, Sajina can be considered a commercially viable crop in Bangladesh. Besides pods, its leaves are used in various dishes, including curries, mashed dishes, and chutneys.
The Global Rise of Moringa
Recent research worldwide has recognized Moringa as the “Miracle Tree” due to its multiple uses and nutritional benefits. Every part of the tree—leaves, pods, seeds, roots, and gum—has human consumption and medicinal applications.
Health Benefits of Moringa:
Moringa was referred to as a “super medicine for 300 diseases” in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Modern medical studies confirm its various benefits, such as:
- Regulates diabetes.
- Lowers cholesterol, reducing heart disease risk.
- Helps with weight loss.
- Relieves gastric issues.
- Prevents constipation.
- Works as an anti-cancer agent.
- Boosts energy and reduces fatigue.
- Helps with insomnia.
- Aids in skin disease treatments.
- Acts as an anti-aging agent.
- Prevents hair fall.
- Rich in Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron.
- Contains antioxidants, essential amino acids, and beta-carotene.
Uses of Moringa:
A) Human Consumption:
- The pods are eaten as a vegetable.
- The leaves have multiple uses—consumed as juice, dried powder mixed with water, or infused as herbal tea.
- Moringa leaves are used to make green tea.
- Moringa powder or fresh leaves can be used in making roti, paratha, luchi, naan, biscuits, cakes, muffins, etc.
- Due to its medicinal properties, it can be consumed raw or dried.
- Moringa-based products such as tablets, capsules, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and face packs are available.
- Moringa seed oil is used in skincare and hair care.
B) Animal Feed:
- Used as silage for cattle and goats.
- Used in fish feed.
- Used in poultry feed.
C) Industrial Use:
- Moringa seed oil is used in cosmetics, soaps, and lubricants.
- Moringa extracts are used in perfumes and skincare products.
- The tree’s bark and gum are used in textile and paper industries.
D) Water Purification:
- Crushed Moringa seeds act as a natural coagulant to purify water.
- Helps remove impurities and bacteria from contaminated water sources.
E) Biofuel:
- Moringa seed oil is a potential source for biodiesel production.
- Considered an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fuels.
F) Medical Use:
- Moringa has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
- Used in traditional medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint pain.
- Moringa extracts are used in supplements and herbal medicines.
G) Agricultural Use:
- Moringa leaves are used as a natural fertilizer and compost.
- Acts as a growth enhancer for crops due to its rich nutrient content.
- Moringa-based pesticides are used as an organic alternative.
H) Various Other Uses:
- Used in eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable products.
- Moringa honey is produced from bees pollinating Moringa flowers.
- Moringa roots and bark are used in traditional dyes and tannins.
Moringa Farming in Bangladesh
Northern regions of Bangladesh—including Jessore, Kushtia, Chuadanga, Meherpur, Khulna, Satkhira, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Natore, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and many others—have widespread but unstructured Moringa cultivation. Despite its huge commercial potential, government and private sector investments remain limited due to lack of awareness regarding its value.