Characterization of Moringa oleifera commercial crops in southeastern Mexico

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a species native to India, used in many countries for its great commercial potential in the diet and its health benefits. In Mexico, its cultivation, use, and commercialization has spread in the last 10 years. This study aimed to characterize the commercial crops of Moringa oleifera in the south-southeast of Mexico. A structured questionnaire was used and 27 commercial moringa producers were interviewed in the states of Veracruz (18.52%), Oaxaca (22.22%), Guerrero (22.22%), Chiapas (18.52%), and Yucatán (18.52%). The research was carried out in the south-southeast of Mexico in April and May 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. It was found that 81% of the producers sell moringa products, for medicinal purposes (100%), food (85%), bioenergy (19%), fodder (14%), flocculant (11%), and for honey production (4%). The products marketed are leaves (89%), seeds (70%), and seedlings (56%). It is concluded that the cultivation of moringa in the south-southeast of Mexico for commercial purposes in different presentations and uses is booming. For several producers, this plant represented a business opportunity.