Moringa, wild okra and Indian pennywort hold commercial potential in Assam: Expert

Locally available plant species such as moringa (drumstick), Indian pennywort (Bormanimuni) and wild okra have significant nutritional and medicinal value and could offer new commercial opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs in Assam, according to Professor Chiranjeeb Bezbaruah of Kaliabor College.
 

Bezbaruah highlighted the growing demand for such plant-based products in domestic and international markets and stressed the need for scientific research, large-scale cultivation and value addition to tap their commercial potential.
 

Referring to one of his research experiments, Bezbaruah said broiler chickens fed with moringa leaf powder showed better growth and performance compared with those given conventional feed.
 

He attributed the results to moringa's high protein, fibre and nutrient content, and said the plant could have applications beyond traditional food and agriculture.
 

Bezbaruah said large-scale cultivation of moringa and development of value-added products could provide farmers and rural entrepreneurs with an additional source of income.
 

He also suggested developing healthier food products using locally available plants, including moringa-based noodles, as alternatives to conventional processed foods.
 

The initiatives underline the potential of organic farming, scientific research and value-added agricultural products to support sustainable rural development and promote greater economic self-reliance in Assam.