Madurai’s Moringa Export Hub Driving Sustainable Growth and Rural Prosperity

The Tamil Nadu government has established a Moringa Export Facilitation Centre in Madurai to leverage the rising global demand for moringa products and strengthen the state’s position in the international moringa market. This initiative is a critical part of Tamil Nadu’s broader strategic effort to tap into a global market estimated to reach about $1,000 crore (approximately ₹8,300 crore) by 2025.

Moringa Cultivation and Tamil Nadu’s Leadership

As per the 2023-24 data from the Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu leads India in moringa cultivation with 20,741 hectares dedicated to the crop, producing an impressive 841,807 metric tons annually. India, as a whole, fulfills roughly 80% of the global moringa demand, with Tamil Nadu as the primary contributor. The state’s strong foothold in moringa production sets the stage for capturing significant export opportunities.

Global Market Potential

The global export market for moringa includes diverse products such as moringa leaf powder, seeds, oil, and tea. Notably, moringa leaf powder constitutes the largest share, valued at approximately $600 million (₹5,000 crore). To meet this growing demand, Tamil Nadu aims to expand its cultivation to around 11,000 acres dedicated specifically to unique moringa leaf cultivation. Currently, about 35 export companies cultivate moringa over 600 to 800 acres, producing around 720 metric tonnes of moringa leaf powder annually, estimated to be worth ₹30 crore.

Challenges Addressed by the Export Facilitation Centre

Moringa cultivation involves specialized farming techniques and requires high-quality processing capabilities to meet international standards. Additionally, market linkage for exports and local market development have been key challenges for growers.

The Moringa Export Facilitation Centre in Madurai addresses these challenges through various initiatives:

Conducting awareness meetings and technical training for farmers to improve cultivation practices.

Creating stable market linkages between agricultural producers and private export companies to guarantee procurement at stable prices.

Extending financial assistance through government schemes to support cultivation and processing.

Facilitating coordination between Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs), exporters, and processing companies to ensure smooth supply chain operations and export readiness.

Successful Market Linkages and Pilot Projects

In September 2024, the Centre helped establish a market linkage in Navvaladi village, Tirunelveli district, between the Thamiraparani Farmers Producers Organization and a private company. This linkage ensured the purchase of approximately 60 metric tonnes of fresh organic moringa leaves over 20 acres at stable prices, producing six metric tonnes of moringa leaf powder valued at ₹20 lakh for export.

Looking ahead, proposals are in place to facilitate the marketing of 50 metric tonnes of organically grown moringa leaf powder for the 2025-26 period. There is also private sector interest in scaling annual exports to 200 metric tonnes. These agreements involve tripartite collaborations between TNAPEx, private firms, and farmers to secure market access and income stability.

Role of TNAPEx and Government Support

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural Export Promotion Corporation (TNAPEx) administers the Centre and actively promotes cooperation among farmers, exporters, and private companies. The government’s declaration of a “Moringa Export Zone” in the 2021-22 Agricultural Budget, spanning nine districts including Madurai, builds robust infrastructure and export potential tailored for moringa cultivation and processing.

The Centre also welcomes Farmer-Producer Organizations, progressive farmers, and private processing companies interested in organic cultivation and processing to engage with TNAPEx for market linkages and assured income, making it an inclusive initiative promoting rural prosperity and agribusiness growth in the region.

Economic and Social Impact for Madurai and Tamil Nadu

The establishment of the Moringa Export Facilitation Centre marks a significant milestone for Madurai, positioning the city as a key hub for value-added moringa exports in India and the global market. By providing stable and lucrative market access to farmers, the Centre enhances local economic prospects and encourages the adoption of improved agricultural and processing technologies.

This initiative is expected to benefit all stakeholders along the moringa value chain, from farmers and processors to exporters, contributing to rural development, higher farmer incomes, and Tamil Nadu’s continuing leadership in agricultural exports.

Future Prospects and Growth Opportunities

Tamil Nadu’s vision is to become a global leader in premium moringa exports, promoting sustainable cultivation and value addition to meet international quality standards. The expansion of organic moringa cultivation, along with enhanced export facilitation and infrastructure, promises a significant boost to the state’s export revenues in the near future.

The Centre also encourages new farmers and agribusiness ventures to engage in high-value moringa production and processing, aiming to create a sustainable and scalable moringa export ecosystem in Tamil Nadu. This development aligns with national goals to advance organic farming and agricultural exports, positioning Tamil Nadu and Madurai as innovators in the global moringa market.

In summary, the Moringa Export Facilitation Centre in Madurai is a forward-thinking initiative by the Tamil Nadu government to harness its leading moringa production capabilities. By providing comprehensive support, market linkages, and infrastructure, this Centre is poised to help Tamil Nadu capture a lucrative international moringa market worth approximately $1 billion, while fostering inclusive growth and economic development for local farmers and exporters alike.