From ancient times to the current age, humans have conducted a series of research and experiments to fully realize the natural potential of the agricultural sector, particularly in terms of food products.
Living close to nature in sparsely inhabited places four to five centuries ago, humans relied on fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, and water flowing through rivers, brooks, and streams.
However, time passed, and in recent ages, the world has seen not only an increase in population but also an increase in the demand for foodstuffs. This prompted academics and scientists to pursue study into improving agricultural output through the use of hybrid seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Multiple business behemoths arose on the global stage and produced packaging for food conservation with the use of additives to fulfill local demands and export to other countries.
This journey lasted decades, until specialists concluded that the usage of additives was causing a variety of health risks, prompting researchers to advocate organic food.
Many new ordinary and therapeutic plants have come under scrutiny, and scientists and health professionals feel that using these ordinary plants can be significantly more beneficial to human health than using medications.
Moringa is one of the series with a nutritionally dense composition since it has numerous varieties, and even in this day and age, specialists prescribe it to combat malnutrition.
“Moringa can help overcome malnutrition because its leaves and fruits were very rich in calcium, vitamins, potassium, and protein,” said Dr Zahid Rasheed, a fruit scientist at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad.
Dr. Zahid regretted that our people frequently rely on allopathic treatments, despite the fact that we have enormous potential for Moringa farming due to our fertile terrain and favorable environment.
“We can easily cultivate it in Sindh and Punjab. Unfortunately, these herbs, as well as Neem, Amaltas, Ajwain, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Aloevera, and Stevia, were mostly overlooked.
Moringa, he added, was not only healthy but also a restorative plant since it was utilized to fight damaging worms and clean the usual water. “It has 14 percent more calcium than milk, 7% more vitamin-C than orange, 4 percent more vitamin-A than carrot, 3 percent more potassium than banana and 2 percent more protein than yogurt.”
Dr Zahid Rasheed stated that its dried leaves can be utilized to reduce cholesterol and improve blood circulation. “Oil extracted from Moringa can also be used for cooking purposes like Olive oil.”
Moringa, also known as “Sohanjna,” is a native plant of Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Its leaves, blossoms, seeds, roots, and bark contain anti-bacterial components and can be used to treat a variety of diseases with no adverse effects.
According to agricultural expert Dr. Shehzad Basra, the Moringa production period lasts two to three years, and the oil from its seeds may be used not only for cooking but also for lubricating expensive watches and producing cosmetics.
“Moringa oil boosts immunity when used as medicine. Its oil can also be used instead of pesticides to protect crops from pest attacks,” Dr Shehzad explained.
