Technology to produce food items from murunga leaves developed

by Amila Prabath Wanasinghe

The Post Harvest Institute of Technology in Anuradhapura has developed a technology to produce biscuits, cakes and other nutritious food items by mixing drumstick (murunga) leaves with rice flour. This follows research conducted by the institute’s Director Dr Swarsika Tillakaratne. Dr Tillakaratne said food turned out of murunga leaves is rich in vitamins,

proteins, calcium and other minerals. It helps to combat malnutritions, diabetes and high blood pressure. Murunga leaves are abundant in the dry zone including the Anuradhapura district. The main purpose behind their finding was to wean people away from the consumption of wheat flour. The Institute is willing to provide the new technology to persons and institutions interested in it.