High yielding crop under Divineguma

Moringa oleifera which can be harvested within six months was introduced by the Economic Development Ministry under the Divineguma programme to meet the government’s objective of encouraging people to lead healthy lives by consuming nutritious foods free of poisonous chemicals.

This crop also known as ‘miti murunga’ has become popular because it is easy to grow and easy to sustain. Introduced to Sri Lanka from South India 13 years ago, it can be grown in tropical climates and is a favorite food of people in the Middle-East which has become the main market for the crop grown in Sri Lanka.

Although this plant grows easily in the island’s dry zone, it can also be easily grown in all areas of the low country from Jaffna to Hambantota, according to Agricultural Radio Service acting Director Hiran Peiris. The plant yields throughout the year and contains many nutrients the human body needs for healthy growth, Peiris said. Among them are vitamins A,B and C, potassium, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, iron and magnesium, all of which are found in the leaves and pods of the murunga plant.

Plants have been dispatched to Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Galle, Hambantota, Batticaloa, Ampara, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts. Divineguma received requests 714,319 more plants. Those who require the plants should send their requests to Divineguma Director, Economic Development Ministry, 464A - TB Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10.