. Every 15 days, bundles of fresh moringa leaves leave farms in Dharmapuri for Singapore and Dubai, bringing farmers a steady income that many say is more reliable than traditional crops.Farmers in the district, particularly in Palacode and surrounding villages, say exporters have begun buying directly from them and sending consignments overseas.“We sell the moringa for Rs 30 to Rs 50 per bundle and earn about Rs 70,000 per acre per month on average,” says R Kumar, a farmer from Gummanur. “We make profits of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh over a three-month cycle.”Exporters say the growing demand stems from moringa’s reputation as a superfood. Often referred to as the “miracle tree”, moringa is increasingly being used in health supplements, functional foods and nutrition programmes. Its leaves are said to be rich in protein, calcium, iron and antioxidants such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid and to contain all nine essential amino acids.“Moringa powder is in high demand abroad. And the quality of moringa from Dharmapuri is good,” says S Prakash, an exporter from Hosur.Officials say government support such as a 100% subsidy for drip irrigation systems, has helped expand cultivation. “Farmers can maintain regular yields while keeping costs low,” says a horticulture official. “Dharmapuri is emerging as a hub for moringa exports. The model here is being replicated in other districts to meet rising global demand.”Drip irrigation allows us to harvest regularly,” says M Rajendran, a farmer in Marandahalli. “We don’t have to worry anymore about having a steady income.”India met nearly 80% of global demand for moringa leaves. The global moringa export market was projected to reach Rs 1,000 crore by 2030.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorSenthil KumaranV Senthil Kumaran is currently working as the Special Correspondent for The Times of India, focusing on the districts of Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, and Erode. As the sole representative for these five districts in Western Tamil Nadu, Senthil Kumaran covers a wide range of topics, including crime, education, and civic issues. He has exposed numerous scams and held several government officials accountable for their actions. In addition to his journalism work, he holds an MBA in Human Resources, an M.Sc. in Psychotherapy, and an LLB, along with a BA in English Literature.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTamil Nadu CM Vijay Holds Talks With Congress Top Brass In Delhi Amid New Political SpeculationPM Modi Marks Historic Tenure, Credits NDA’s 12-Year Journey For India’s TransformationMEA Condemns Oman Ship Attack As 21 Indians Rescued, Three Crew Members Still MissingAt NDA Conclave, PM Modi Contrasts Congress Era With ‘NDA’s Development Record’ | WatchYusuf Pathan, Shatrughan Sinha, Sayoni Ghosh Among 19 MPs In Rebel Camp | WatchFrom Himanta To Bhupender: Are BJP Leaders Accelerating The TMC Rebellion?Pakistan Army Mi-17 Helicopter Crashes Near Muzaffarabad, All On Board Killed | WatchTMC Denies Congress Merger Buzz After Mamata-Sonia, Rahul-Abhishek Meetings | WatchAI-171 Victims’ Families Question Claim Waivers Before Probe Ends; Air India Denies PressureAfter Weeks In Captivity, 14 Freed In Manipur, Search Intensifies For Six Missing Men123Photostories10 baby boy names that symbolise limitlessness5 new sneakers releasing this June that are worth the hypeExclusive – Rubina Dilaik recalls hiding her pregnancy during a Punjabi film shoot, talks about mom guilt and motherhood; says, ‘My nose would start bleeding on set due to the extreme heat’6 subtle habits that make people lose respect for you, as per psychologistWhich quality makes others jealous of you? find out based on your birth date7 meaningful ways to celebrate your child’s biggest momentsYou don’t need a Gout attack to have high Uric Acid: The subtle symptoms doctors don’t want you to ignoreFrom Vinod Kambli to Virat Kohli; famous cricketers who own luxurious properties in Mumbai’s premium neighbourhoodsFrom brightening creams to face serums: Why men’s skincare is finally having its moment in IndiaAll about ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ live-action cast: From Cate Blanchett to Mason Thames123Hot PicksSourth Africa ShootingBharathirajaDelhi hotel fireAshok MuralidaranFIFA World Cup ScheduleKarnataka Trader NewsHector PennKerala Plus One ResultTNEA Random NumberTop TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireChennai TNSTC BusMeerut Conversion CaseBareilly NewsFilmmaker Bharathiraja DeathKarnataka Murder
Every 15 days, bundles of fresh moringa leaves leave farms in Dharmapuri for Singapore and Dubai, bringing farmers a steady income that many say is more reliable than traditional crops.Farmers in the district, particularly in Palacode and surrounding villages, say exporters have begun buying directly from them and sending consignments overseas.“We sell the moringa for Rs 30 to Rs 50 per bundle and earn about Rs 70,000 per acre per month on average,” says R Kumar, a farmer from Gummanur. “We make profits of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh over a three-month cycle.”Exporters say the growing demand stems from moringa’s reputation as a superfood. Often referred to as the “miracle tree”, moringa is increasingly being used in health supplements, functional foods and nutrition programmes. Its leaves are said to be rich in protein, calcium, iron and antioxidants such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid and to contain all nine essential amino acids.“Moringa powder is in high demand abroad. And the quality of moringa from Dharmapuri is good,” says S Prakash, an exporter from Hosur.Officials say government support such as a 100% subsidy for drip irrigation systems, has helped expand cultivation. “Farmers can maintain regular yields while keeping costs low,” says a horticulture official. “Dharmapuri is emerging as a hub for moringa exports. The model here is being replicated in other districts to meet rising global demand.”Drip irrigation allows us to harvest regularly,” says M Rajendran, a farmer in Marandahalli. “We don’t have to worry anymore about having a steady income.”India met nearly 80% of global demand for moringa leaves. The global moringa export market was projected to reach Rs 1,000 crore by 2030.
