Malunggay: The Emerging Plant for Food Fortification, Export

Known in English as moringa and in India as sajina, malunggay (Moringa oleifera) is the new darling of food nutritionists. Malunggay is found to be rich in Vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and "good" cholesterol. The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing this once humble hardy tree as a means to reduce malnutrition and increase farmers' income. This early, the DA is encouraging experts from different government agencies, research institutes, and a local biotech firm to collaborate in pushing the wider cultivation and processing of malunggay.

The Nutrition Council of the Philippines (NCP) has proposed a study on the efficacy of malunggay leaf powder and malunggay oil as additives to the diet in order to reduce the traditionally high micronutrient deficiency among Filipinos. It also plans to fortify different types of food using the vitamin A, iron and good cholesterol that are found in liberal quantities in malunggay. Manufacturers of instant noodles are now using substances found in malunggay to fortify their products. The value-added components found in malunggay will help open up the market for malunggay growers and boost industry formation.

For the latest postings on biotechnology, contact the SEARCA BIC at spt@agri.searca.org.