Drum Stick Farming

Moringa or Drumstick as it is popularly called is native to India, southern foot hills of Himalayas. It is cultivated in North India and South India as well. It is grown in tropical and sub tropical areas. India is the largest producer of Moringa with Andhra Pradesh as the largest producer among the states, followed by Karnataka and Tamilnadu in both area and production. In Tamilnadu varieties of this has been developed. It is also grown in neighboring countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is also grown in south east Asia region, Africa and south America northern portion countries. Generally Moringa is grown in Sunny areas and it is drought resistant, though it gives more produce if water is available for irrigation. But it cannot withstand cold and frost.


India is the largest producer of Moringa with an area of 93,917 acres and production at 1,30,00,00 tons. Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer, followed by Karnataka and Tamilnadu as leading producers.

Field Preparation

The field to be ploughed well once before cultivation. Pits are dug and allowed to weathering in sun for a few days.

Propagation

Propagation of Moringa plant can be either through direct sowing of seeds, or through planting of suitable cuttings or developing plants in nursery and transplanting. The nursery method protects the plant from diseases. Whatever be the methods, it is essential that the plant needs proper pruning in early stage, say when the plant attains a height of 2 meters, for better yield either of the leaves or pods. While using cuttings of plant select cutting from pest free tree. The cutting shall have length of one and half meters length and 5 cm diameter. The cutting should be kept in the soil for 1/3rd portion for better root formation.


Spacing

  • 2 x 2.5 meters for normal planting.
  • 1.5 x 1.5 meter for high density planting.
  • 0.6 meters x 1 meter for cultivation of leaves.

Cropping Patterns

Since the plants take time to grow and start yielding, inter cropping with short duration vegetables is beneficial. The cropping pattern for Drumstick is annual as well as perennial. In annual pattern, the plants are recultivated after two yields, whereas in perennial cultivation such as in rain fed areas, the plant is kept for periods up to five or six years, following due pruning practices.

Water Management

Water requirement is less for this plant, hence this is capable of giving yield in drought condition also but to a lesser extent. But with following proper irrigation methods like drip irrigation and fertigation, it will give more yield. It is a must when annual cropping pattern is followed. For annual cropping pattern with normal irrigation, the plants are to be irrigated before sowing and a few days after sowing, to allow the seeds to germinate. Onward once in 15 to 20 days interval will do.