Moringa in 2030: Transforming the World for The People, Planet & Prosperity

DP Maharshi
16 min readSep 21, 2020

Introduction: Global Moringa Outlook 2030

Global Moringa Market 2030 by Advanced Biofuel Center India

Global Moringa business has evolved into a highly diverse sector, with operations that range from small subsistence farms to large multinational holdings. Farmers’ products are sold fresh in local markets, but also across the world through sophisticated and modern value chains. Beyond the Moringa’s traditional role in folk food and medicines now it has gained the status of Superfood of superfoods and health supplements.

India based Advanced Biofuel Center (ABC) is the worldwide promoter of Moringa that designs and implements the growing of Moringa Oleifera crops in a structured Agri-Supply chain, Value additions of Moringa and research activities thereon & provides support/services from “Soil to Superfood” for development and establishment of the Moringa Plantation. ABC Support, assist, represent, advise, negotiate, manage and train participating Farmers/Stakeholders in all matters, to successfully plant and harvest Moringa Oleifera for the production of food, feed, fuel, and affiliated products Worldwide.

The ABC has been working on Moringa since last decade with a focus on understanding the unique properties of the plant that can be manipulated to coax it to reach its fullest potential addressing horticultural practices, agronomics, and sustainability issues. ABC has analysed the Present and future dynamics of Global Moringa Market. The main findings of the report Global Moringa Market 2030: Projecting a path of prosperity for people and planet shall be presented to the attendees of 8th Global Moringa meet being organised by ABC on Moringa Production and Application in November

Forecasting the Moringa world in 2030 recalls a quote often attributed to physicist Niels Bohr: “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it’s about the future.” Especially when It is hard to focus on anything other than the current global pandemic. COVID-19 has upended our societies and the loss of normalcy, human connection and the economic toll is not to be underestimated. Unfortunately, even after countries embark on the path to recovery after this crisis, the threat of climate change remains.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Bill and Melinda Gates have risen to the challenge of envisioning the world in 2030. Common themes include increasing urbanization, growing displacement from conflict and climate change, near universal access to the internet, the end of the internal combustion engine and less resource-intensive food systems. Moringa is a less input crop and can take the world towards less-resource-intensive food and health supplements

In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals (officially known as the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs). The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.

Moringa oleifera is an essential plant in meeting Global food security and sustain the livelihoods of many millions of people. Climate change provides both opportunities and challenges for attaining the potential contribution of the wonderful tree for sustainable human development.

Global Moringa Market Outlook 2030

About Moringa

MOMAX3 Moringa @ fruiting stage credit to ABC

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), a ‘miracle tree’ is grown in many countries of tropics and sub-tropics. It has proved to be an excellent source of phytonutrients and has therefore nutritional and medicinal applications for both human and animals. It is a cost-effective, easily procurable and a rich source of multi-vitamins (vitamin A, B and C), proteins, calcium, potassium and possess a unique combination of zeatin, quercetin, sitosterol, kaempferol and caffeoylquinic acid. The unopened floral buds, immature pods and leaves are used for various culinary preparations worldwide. Every part of this tree possesses some or the other nutritional and medicinal property. It is a reservoir of dietary supplements and act as cardiac and circulatory stimulant with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antitumor, anticancer, diuretic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, hypocholestemic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcer and hepatoprotective properties.

Moringa yields at least four different edible parts viz., pods, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Moringa leaves are the excellent source of protein, β-carotene, vitamins, A, B, C and E, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid, pyridoxine, amino acids, minerals and various phenolic compounds, phytochemicals, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. The leaves of moringa are rich in palmitic and linolenic acids whereas the seeds are predominated by oleic acid.

Countries where Moringa grows…..precisely where people need it most….

Moringa trees, from which Moringa Products are produced, are originated from India, and now found in African, Asian, and American countries such as Ghana, Philippines, and Haiti. These Products are commercially manufactured by processing different parts of Moringa such as leaves, Seeds and other parts. Common uses of Moringa Products are in Food & Health supplement, pharmaceuticals, cooking, and cosmetics. The different product types of Moringa Products are virgin Moringa Products, organic Moringa Products and other miscellaneous, depending on the method of growing, harvesting and processing/extraction. The increasing demand for Moringa Products in developing countries like India, China and Brazil is one of the primary drivers. This is owing to the strong economic growth and increasing awareness of health benefits among consumers, coupled with a greater exposure to the western lifestyle, there seems to be an upward trend in consumption of Moringa Products.

About Moringa Market

Moringa market has gained more exposure owing to rising awareness and concern among consumers regarding health benefits. And Covid-19 crisis has given boost to moringa industry for health enhancement and economic empowerment.

The Moringa is all set to help in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere, Goal 2. End hunger achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture and Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages by 2030.

©ABC_Global Moringa Market-2020-2030
Global Moringa Market 2020–2030 @ ABC

Advanced Biofuel Center (ABC) of India is premier entity working in research and development of Moringa. The ABC has projected that Global moringa market is estimated to be over US$ 20.0 Billion in 2030. It is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of ~9.4% from 2019 to 2030.

India is the most advanced producer and supplier of Moringa, but African and American countries are developing their production. There has also been extensive research on Moringa cultivation in India. Given its significant health and nutritional benefits, Moringa has the potential not only for as a health food supplement but also as a nutritional supplement in the fight against malnutrition. In addition, countries like USA and EU have developed a standard for regulating Moringa Products. To enter Western Hemisphere health food markets, it is important for any Moringa products to pass food regulations and quality control for Western markets. The global standardization of Moringa Products is attracting more consumer demand for the product.

Scientific research has made steady progress, generating a growing body of conclusions on the biological, nutritional, and health-promoting properties of Moringa Products. In additions to its abundance of nutrition and phytocompounds, it has been widely studied by over 1000 peer-viewed scientific articles for its health and wellness benefits. The outstanding nutritional qualities of Moringa Products (very high content in vitamins, minerals, and proteins) have raise a lot of interest and it is not uncommon for food companies to jump at the opportunity to use the trending ingredient.

This has led to grow the demand which led to grow a new multi-billion industry. The world food and nutritional supplements companies are predicting that the Moringa from a soil to superfood phenomenon shall acquire more than 10% share of the industry in coming years, while companies in the cosmetics field are expecting its enthusiastic embrace within their industry.

©ABC_Global Moringa Market_geography 2020

The European and North American moringa products market has been segmented on the basis of product into leaf powder, tea, oil, seeds, and others. The leaf powder segment holds the largest share of the market. The moringa leaf powder, made from naturally dried moringa leaves, is widely known to enhance the flavour of curries, soups, stews, salads, etc. The tea that is made from the leaves of moringa is a popular beverage with several foods, and drinks manufacturers are increasingly investing in this aspect. The tea is rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and other plant compounds; it proves effective in weight control. Moringa oil is rich in vitamin C and can be used in cooking; its high vitamin C content helps strengthen the immunity of consumers.

The European moringa products market was worth US$ 2.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 6.2 billion by 2030. The North American market for moringa products was valued just US$ 1.90 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 4.4 billion by 2030. APAC market is presently around US$ 2 billion may cross US$ 5 billion by 2030

©ABC_Moringa Market_Product-wise_2020

In the US, Moringa is increasingly becoming available in health shops, both online and offline. While the leaf powder has been sold for a few years already, stores like Whole Foods are also starting to carry ‘consumer-ready’ products like the Kuli Kuli health bars, which currently contain Moringa sourced in Africa. Various US companies have started to produce their own Moringa

In the European food segment, Moringa leaves are used mostly in teas or energy drinks. They are marketed as caffeine-free energy boosters and superfood, with a composition which is comparable to spirulina. Potential for Moringa derivatives (leaf extracts, seed oil) remains limited as their status under Novel Food Regulation is unclear. Yet, only (whole or powdered) leaves are allowed for food in the EU, while Moringa seed and oil can be used in food supplements in some EU countries (e.g. Italy). If extracts (or the oil) become classified as “novel”, a safety assessment is required and, while pending, its application in food is banned. Industry sources indicate these extracts would have a good potential considering high antioxidant activity, and its mineral and vitamin content

©ABC_Commercially Moringa Growing countries_2020

Moringa production is limited to only some specific countries that fall under the tropical and sub tropical belt such as African and American countries apart from its homeland India, among others. Being an underutilized crop, Moringa commercialization has now picked up. There are more than 100 countries where moringa can be commercially exploited but as on date a in very few countries commercial projects have come up.

ABC has analyzed market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends and geographic situation. The key Moringa producing country is India meeting 80% of world demand. Some of the other key manufacturers’ countries of Moringa Products are Ghana, Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Niger, Mozambique, Cambodia, and Haiti, among others.

©ABC_Global Moringa Export_2020 Main exporting countries
©ABC_Global Moringa Export_2020 Main exporting countries

Moringa and United Nations (UN)

UN agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have all paid tribute to Moringa as a miracle tree with the potential to further the UN agenda for sustainable development. As per UN, Moringa shows great promise as a tool to help overcome some of the most severe problems in the developing world — malnutrition, deforestation, impure water, and poverty. The tree does best in the dry regions where these problems are worst. With such strong support for the Moringa tree, how do we turn “great promise” into great practice?

According to an article published in the scholarly journal Ecology of Food and Nutrition, the diffusion of the cultural knowledge surrounding the benefits of Moringa has allowed both United Nations agencies and member states to implement Moringa-proliferation programs in developing countries.

These programs that use manufactured nutrient-rich powders, high-energy food sources, vitamin A drops, and nutrition centers for severely undernourished children have adequately addressed the once bleak world nutritional status… M. oleifera is one example of a nutrient source that can be grown and used at the individual or societal level. By partnering with appropriate educational modalities to describe its uses and nutritional benefits, communities around the world will be able to participate directly in halving the world’s hunger and improving nutritional deficiencies.

The article continues, stating that Moringa gives “countries with a high prevalence of under-nutrition might have at their fingertips, a sustainable solution to some of their nutritional challenges.”

It seems at the international level, efforts to bring Moringa to those in need are in full swing. The United Nations agencies and member states have wholeheartedly embraced the tree and are continuing to facilitate its advancement

The pandemic and Moringa

The pandemic has highlighted systemic failings, fragilities and inequalities that define today’s world. But it has also offered us an unparalleled opportunity to re-imagine our future. What we need now is a transformative shift in thinking and action. What we need now is everyone to push for The Global Goals for Sustainable Development to be achieved. The plan that all countries signed up to at the United Nations 5 years ago. The 2030 Agenda embraces three dimensions of sustainability — economic, social, and environmental and Moringa has ability to meet out all three criteria

Moringa leaves @ ABC

Director-General of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu, while addressing the Agriculture Ministers of the G20 countries said “Preserving access to safe food and nutrition is an essential part of the health response”, recommending countries to strengthen local production and shorten food supply chains. New business models are needed. It is the time to speed-up e-commerce in agriculture and food systems across the globe.

Moringa provides even more support now and for the post-COVID-19 supplement landscape

The antioxidant potential of moringa and its ability to modulate inflammatory pathways underscores its potential as an adjunct to recovery

COVID-19 will have a lasting impression on how consumers view wellness and supplements. And, beyond immunity, performance nutrition in on the rise. Supplements are quickly catching up to consumers’ needs to stay active and recover quickly and Moringa’s multi-functional products/ingredient address the needs of anyone who wants to continue their path to health beyond COVID-19.

Vegetarianism and veganism were more than mere curiosities at the start of the decade. (Eight percent of those aged 30–49 identified as vegetarian, according to 2018 Gallup data covered in Forbes.) Over the past 10 years, largely due to fears of another zoonotic pandemic like the havoc the coronavirus created in 2020, more people the world over became serious about reducing, if not entirely eliminating, animal proteins from their diets.

As the world prepares to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting crisis, we are presented with an unprecedented clarion call, and opportunity, to change the way we eat, live, grow, build and power our lives to achieve a carbon-neutral, ‘nature-positive’ economy and halt biodiversity loss by 2030.

There is an increasing demand of good quality Moringa Products in developed regions of Europe and North America. Countries such as Africans and India have not enough output in terms of Moringa production to meet rising worldwide demand. Determined efforts are being made by Moringa growing countries to increase production by using advance technology in agriculture and production. Some countries already chalked out Mission Moringa and we hope some shall come out with a Moringa promotion program: with an overall objective Moringa as a Viable Solution against Poverty, Malnutrition and Deforestation for progress and prosperity of the people

©ABC_Moringa Expansion_ha_2030
©ABC_Moringa Expansion_ha_2030

World population will grow from around 6 billion people today to 8.3 billion people in 2030. And to meet out the demand of 8.3 billion people we need to take moringa acreage to the tune of 1 million ha by 2030. There were around 160,000 hectares Moringa Plantation in 2019 and by 2030 it is predicted to cross 1 million ha. More than 50% of new acreage shall come from Sub-Saharan African and Latin American countries. A joint study by the International Labour Organisation and the Inter-American Development Bank has revealed that decarbonisation, or a transition to a net-zero emission economy, would create 22.5 million jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by 2030–19 million of which would be in plant-based food production.

There is a need for a fundamental transformation across three socio-economic systems, which represent over a third of the global economy and provide up to two-thirds of all jobs. These systems are food, land, and ocean use; infrastructure and the built environment; and extractives and energy. Together they drive the threats which endanger almost 80% of the total threatened and near-threatened species. These systems, therefore, have a significant opportunity and responsibility to reverse nature loss. But they also have tremendous upside benefits to gain by embracing this transformation now.

©ABC_Moringa Expansion_ha_Timeline 2020-2030

Therefore, to meet out the challenge and expand the moringa to the projected extent, the ABC has come out with Key Strategies to Successful Moringa Investments in Post-COVID-19 World.

Moringa Value Addition Business Plan from ABC India

In the post-COVID-19 world, there cannot be a better business proposition than Moringa Business as New world shall need jobs and health security and Moringa is capable to meet out both

The cultivation of Moringa can potentially provide jobs and greater incomes for millions of agricultural workers and farmers across the developing world. Some of the main benefits of the proposed project are summarized below:

I. Local development through development of Moringa farmland and incidental infrastructure such as roads, etc.

II. Creation of local job opportunities for local farmers through construction and operation and development and running of Moringa farms and industries.

III. Increase in incomes arising from securing of work opportunities for local farmers because of plant construction and operation and local development, etc.

IV. Acquisition and dissemination of know-how and skills from local university agricultural departments, related agencies and consultants based on cultivation of Moringa.

Acquisition of new technology and cash income opportunities for regional farmers through dissemination of Moringa cultivation know-how and technology, etc.

Major Achievements in Moringa Breeding & Future Challenges

Globally, demand for two Moringa products has been growing rapidly: the highly nutritious powder derived from the tree’s dried leaves, and the high-quality oil that can be extracted from the tree’s seeds. The former, Moringa leaf powder, is sold as a ‘super food’ in the international market for nutritional supplements. It is also increasingly the subject of interest from international organizations and institutions involved in the global fight against malnutrition. The latter, Moringa oil, is highly coveted by international pharma, beauty/cosmetic companies for its excellent properties

Moringa Plantation: Seed Varieties and know-how

About Advanced Biofuel Center

The Advanced Biofuel Center (ABC) is amongst the world leader in scientific commercialization of Moringa crop across the globe and its research findings and on-hand field experiences in respect of various technical, agronomical/silvicultural aspects of plantations of Moringa in various categories of land as well under different plantation models have resulted in significant improvements in knowledge and technical background related to productivity, profitability and sustainability of commercial production of Moringa crop.

Popular Moringa Seed Varieties

ABC has made significant progress on its work with Moringa Oleifera, a multi-dimension tree that bears high value oilseeds. With development of a highly productive annual MOL’E and perennial MOMAX3® variety of the plant and a set of best practices that will enable high oil yields.

The ABC has developed different cultivator and cultivation technology for Moringa farming

for leaf purpose and for Moringa harvesting for seed oil purpose

MOL’E is the improved best variety, it has developed for Moringa cultivation for leaves and MOMAX3® the highest seed yielding variety for Moringa plantation for seeds/oil

Moringa Expertise

The ABC has laid down Design Principles for a Profitable, Productive, & Sustainable Moringa Farm for production of Leaf/Seeds. Known as the gold standard in the Moringa Industry, based on research and professional experience, it has developed Moringa Cultivation & Care Practices for Leaf/Seed oil Production

ABC is transforming the Moringa Sector from concept to commercialization with its IPR knowledge, enhanced cultivar, experience, and expertise in this very technical field. We help clients improve decisions, sharpen their thinking, and drive their business forward.

Know-how

Guide to Grow MOMAX3 Moringa for plantation for seed oil production

Today’s Moringa growers/ producers face a real vacuum when it comes to acquiring training in the cutting-edge techniques that are emerging in the field. The Moringa FarmStay is the only program or place where, through precise on field training, they can get the exact methodology, tools, and techniques to grow Moringa crop successfully in a context of heightened efficiency. The goal is to take their Moringa endeavour to the next level.
LEARN FROM THE FOREMOST EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

Since launching “The Global Moringa Meet” in 2012, Dp Maharshi CEO, ABC has been internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in the field of Moringa farming, becoming an inspiration for Moringa growers/produces worldwide. The 8th Global Moringa Meet 2020 is scheduled in November 2020

8th Global Moringa Meet 2020
8th Global Moringa Meet 2020

LEARN A COMPREHENSIVE METHODOLOGY

There are a million different people giving all kinds of different farming advice out there, and it can get confusing. Farming unlike mechanics has many variances under the same input environment. Many different methods of establishment, farming and harvesting are possible. ABC has specifically developed and designed best different technology for harvesting Moringa leaves and for Moringa Seed Oil with ways to guide towards the right balance of cost, yield, and labour and finally cost per ton.

SAVE TIME, ENERGY AND EFFORT WHILE INCREASING YIELDS & PROFITS
ABC goes into all the little details, tips, tools and tricks that can translate into saving countless hours, on the field and off, and producing more and better leaf/seed oil. There is no silver bullet or magic trick, just hard-earned expertise and knowledge of the small things that can make a big difference.

GET STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION FOR EVERY STAGE

Our Moringa Expert/Scientists teach all the steps of production for Moringa crop, from seedling to transplanting, to cultivating, to harvesting and processing. Quite simply, this is the most comprehensive, in-depth education about Moringa farming available anywhere.
LEARN AT MOEINGA FARM WHILE WORKING

Learning by doing is the best method to be an expert. Of course, the real test comes when you apply what you learn to your own Moringa farm. After Moringa Farmstay, the staff/people of project developer/investor shall be equipped with necessary expertise and shall be capable of implementing what they learn here

MORINGA: A BOON FOR MANKIND: Let us grow, harvest and process for community and commerce

Dp Mharshi

CEO, Advanced Biofuel Center

Call +91 9829423333 WhatsApp or mail

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DP Maharshi

Founder & CEO, Advanced Biofuel Center, chartered Expert, Educator, Global Consultant, Implementer, Passionate Scale Up Expert as Moringa Business optimizer,