An Integrated Analysis Of Economic Viability And Sustainability In Moringa Cultivation: Evidence From Mulanur, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the "miracle tree," has garnered global attention for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic significance. This study examines the economic viability and sustainability of Moringa cultivation, with a specific focus on the Mulanur Murungai variety in Tamil Nadu, India. The research highlights the crop's potential to enhance rural livelihoods, contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tamil Nadu, particularly the Mulanur block in Tiruppur district, is a key Moringa-producing region, contributing 24% of India's total production. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining primary data from 135 farmers (stratified by landholding size) and secondary data from agricultural reports. Analytical tools like canonical correlation, Translog production function, and Garrett ranking technique are used to assess resource-use efficiency, profitability determinants, and constraints. The study reveals an input-output ratio of 1.9, indicating that for every rupee invested, farmers earn Rs. 1.90, underscoring the crop's profitability. Findings indicate that labor and capital significantly influence yield, with increasing returns to scale. However, external factors like market forces and climate variability also play a critical role. A shift toward genetically modified varieties due to higher yields threatens the traditional variety's survival, necessitating government intervention. In conclusion, Moringa cultivation in Mulanur Block is economically viable and environmentally sustainable, offering a pathway to rural prosperity and global sustainability goals. By addressing production and marketing constraints through targeted strategies, stakeholders can unlock the crop's full potential, transforming it into a high-value agro-enterprise.