The Moringa tree has great value if we care to look
SIR— If we focus on the local market for the Moringa products, the best strategy is to offer lower prices to the producers
SIR— If we focus on the local market for the Moringa products, the best strategy is to offer lower prices to the producers. It is indisputable that Moringa products are nutritious and the medicinal value is high.
Given that majority of Ugandans are poor, the benefits of the Moringa tree can be maximised if the unit price of produce from the tree is lower than the prevailing prices. It is true, for example, that many families can no longer afford a balanced diet, and the better option is to balance using fresh Moringa leaves or leaf powder. This, however, is possible if the prices for the produce are lower.
Today, farmers sell leaf powder for sh20,000 a kilo and sh30,000 for Moringa seeds. These items can remain a good source of income if farmers offer them at sh5,000 and sh10,000 respectively, per kilo.
This idea makes good sense when payments are made on delivery of the produce.
When lower prices are offered to the Moringa tree farmers, it may be possible to incorporate the various Moringa products
in a variety of foodstuffs and food supplements as well as medicinal drugs and offer the final products at a manageable price.
Also, it is important to note that Moringa leaves are valuable for domestic animals and those making animal feeds should find these leaves a valuable contribution to the nutrition base of their products.
Willy Kituuka
Kampala
Given that majority of Ugandans are poor, the benefits of the Moringa tree can be maximised if the unit price of produce from the tree is lower than the prevailing prices. It is true, for example, that many families can no longer afford a balanced diet, and the better option is to balance using fresh Moringa leaves or leaf powder. This, however, is possible if the prices for the produce are lower.
Today, farmers sell leaf powder for sh20,000 a kilo and sh30,000 for Moringa seeds. These items can remain a good source of income if farmers offer them at sh5,000 and sh10,000 respectively, per kilo.
This idea makes good sense when payments are made on delivery of the produce.
When lower prices are offered to the Moringa tree farmers, it may be possible to incorporate the various Moringa products
in a variety of foodstuffs and food supplements as well as medicinal drugs and offer the final products at a manageable price.
Also, it is important to note that Moringa leaves are valuable for domestic animals and those making animal feeds should find these leaves a valuable contribution to the nutrition base of their products.
Willy Kituuka
Kampala