MORINGA SEEDS KDM 01 BHAGYA

Bhagya KDM 01  Moringa Variety

Moringa provides a rich and rare combination of nutrients, amino acids, antioxidants, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties used for nutrition and healing. Moringa leaves have seven times the Vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, four times the vitamin A of carrots, three times the potassium of bananas, and double the protein of yoghurt. With over 92 nutrients and 46 natural antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds it has been dubbed the ‘miracle tree’. Additionally, the moringa oil, harvested from the seeds are much sought after in the formulation of skin care products. 

A study titled “Bioactive Components in Moringa Oleifera Leaves Protect against Chronic Disease” published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes concludes thus:  Protective effects of MO leaves against chronic diseases: cardiovascular disease, by lowering plasma lipids including triglycerides (TG) decreasing blood pressure and reducing oxidative stress; diabetes, by lowering plasma glucose], reducing insulin resistance and increasing? cell function; NAFLD, by reducing hepatic lipids, reducing liver enzymes and decreasing hepatic inflammation and cancer, by reducing DNA damage, viability of cancer cells and increasing apoptosis.

It flowers after 100 to 110 days, following planting. The fruit length is advantageous as its  60 cm medium length plus or minus 15 cm. One can start harvesting the fruits after 160 to 180 days post-planting. It gives 350 to 400 fruits per plant in the first year and 800 to 1000 fruits in the second year. Informs Dr Mulge: “It can be maintained for 15 years. Its yield reduces due to infection of borer or poor management necessitating replanting after 8 to 10 years.

Bhagya KDM, developed by Dr B M Madalgeri and Dr Ravindra Mulge while at KRC College of Horticulture, Arabhavi in Belagavi Distt.  “When it was released its demand for cultivation was high as is evident from the number of seeds sold in the State from the university-held shows. Probably, the lack of extension activities in showcasing the variety outside the State and insufficient seed production and supply chain may be the cause for not being known beyond Karnataka.”

Suited for high-density planting which can be maintained at a height of 2 to 4 meters by pruning and training, Bhagya KDM is an institute-developed variety released at the State level and not a farmers variety. Its parental material was PKM 3 selection carried out since from 1998 and released during 2011.