Parliament Question: Moringa-based Product Industry

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3257 ANSWERED ON 12TH MARCH, 2026 MORINGA-BASED PRODUCT INDUSTRY 3257. MS. S JOTHIMANI: Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state: (a) the estimated market value of India's moringa-based product industry and the growth rate recorded during the past five years; (b) the specific initiatives undertaken by the Government to promote the export of value- added moringa products, including key export destinations and export volumes over the same period; (c) whether the Government is aware of the significant business potential of moringa-based products in Karur district of Tamil Nadu, which industry estimates value at 5,000 crore to 6,000 crore annually, if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps being taken by the Government to support value addition, processing infrastructure and market linkages for moringa growers and entrepreneurs in Karur, including financial and technical assistance extended under schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY)? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI RAVNEET SINGH) (a) As moringa products are exported under broader Harmonized System (HS) codes classifications covering botanicals, herbal extracts and nutraceutical ingredients therefore disaggregated export data specifically for moringa-based products is limited. However, industry estimates indicate that exports of moringa-based products from India have shown steady growth over the past five years, in line with the increasing global demand for natural health supplements. Based on industry assessments and trade estimates, the domestic and export- oriented moringa products market in India is estimated to be in the range of approximately USD 400–500 million and has witnessed an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8–10% over the past five years, driven by rising global demand for plant-based nutrition, natural supplements, and functional foods. The growth of the sector has also been supported by increasing international consumer interest in natural health products and plant-derived nutritional ingredients. (b) The Government of India has undertaken several measures to promote the export of value-added plant-based and nutraceutical products, including moringa-based products. Some of the key initiatives include: i.Export Promotion through Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) ii.The Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) under the Department of Commerce promotes exports of herbal extracts, botanicals, and plant-based ingredients, including moringa derivatives.iii.Exporters are supported through participation in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and global nutraceutical exhibitions, which help promote Indian botanical ingredients and value-added plant products. iv.Quality and Certification Support: Exporters are encouraged to adopt international quality standards such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), organic certification and other regulatory compliances to facilitate market access. v.Focus on Value Addition: Government initiatives encourage processing, extraction and nutraceutical formulation, enabling exporters to move from raw agricultural produce to high- value nutraceutical and wellness products. Further, exports largely comprise moringa leaf powder, extracts, capsules, teas and nutraceutical ingredients with key export destinations for moringa-based products include United States, European Union countries, United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada,etc. (c) According to inputs received from industry stakeholders and trade sources, the moringa- based product industry in and around Karur district in Tamil Nadu has significant business potential and has emerged as an important centre for the cultivation, processing and export of moringa (Moringa oleifera) and moringa-based products. The region has developed a strong ecosystem involving farmers, processing units, nutraceutical ingredient manufacturers and exporters, engaged in the production of value-added products such as moringa leaf powder, extracts, dietary supplements, herbal teas and other plant-based formulations. However, as of now, the Government does not maintain consolidated official data at the district level. (d) MoFPI implements Central Sector umbrella scheme – Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) since 2017-18 across the country. The components scheme under PMKSY are (i) Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure (ii) Creation/ Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities (CEFPPC scheme), (iii) Operation Greens (OG scheme), (iv) Creation of Infrastructure for Agro Processing Clusters (APC scheme), (v) Mega Food Parks (MFP scheme- discontinued w.e.f. 01.04.2021) and (vi) Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages (CBFL scheme- discontinued w.e.f. 01.04.2021). Under these component schemes, MoFPI provides financial support in the form of grants-in- aid/ subsidy for setting up of food processing projects thereby creating both processing and preservation infrastructure facilities including cold chain infrastructure. The facilities created under the component schemes help in preservation & processing of raw farm produce and efficient transport of raw & finished processed food products. The schemes are demand driven and proposals are invited by floating Expression of Interest from time to time based on availability of funds. Under the schemes, funds are not allocated state-wise/ sector –wise. Further, these scheme allows participation not only by government agencies, but also by private firms, companies, cooperatives, FPOs, individuals etc. in setting up cold-chain/ processing/ storage units etc. provided they meet eligibility conditions. As on 31st December, 2025, out of 155 approved projects 113 have been completed with approved grant of Rs. 293.59 crore and released grant of Rs.287.76/- crore creating processing and preservation capacity of 11.95 Lakh Metric Tonne LMT per annum in the state of Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, to provide comprehensive support for establishing or upgrading micro food processing enterprises assistance is provided through PMFME scheme across the country including the Karur district of Tamil Nadu. As of 31st December 2025, there are 49048 net enterprises in Tamil Nadu State with approved subsidy of Rs. 538.50 crores. *****