Moringa oleifera: A Sustainable Intervention To Address Malnutrition and Poverty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)- Pakistan

Abstract

Rural inhabitants' lifestyles and health are greatly impacted by the recent growth in modernity,urbanization, and commercial farming as well as the loss of plant resources. Food should be consumed inthe era of incredible multi-functionality and objectivity not only to energize and feed us but also to fightagainst many illnesses and diseases and boost our immune systems. In rising nations like Pakistan, such astrategy is absolutely needed. Moringa oleifera is a very useful and versatile tree popularly named Suhanjnain Punjab, Pakistan. The Moringa tree is cultivated predominantly in semi-arid, subtropical, and tropicalenvironments. The M. oleifera belongs to the family Moringaceae is native to the sub-Himalayan areas ofPakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, and is grown internationally. In Pakistan, it is foundcommonly in southern Punjab and it is also considered the origin of Moringa plant. This plant has thepotential to thrive in any kind of soil and can endure extremely hard conditions. Moringa has remarkablenutritive value and it is a rich source of protein, vitamins (A & C), and micro-nutrients (Ca, K, Fe, etc.) thatare completely absent in the daily diet of the majority of the rural parts of KPK. Since 1998, the WHO haspushed Moringa as an alternative to imported food supplies to cure malnutrition in disadvantaged nations.Research has indicated that the dried leaves of Moringa contain 7 times more vitamin C than orange, 10times vitamin A than carrot, 17 times Ca than milk, 15 times K than bananas, 25 times Fe than spinach and9 times proteins than yogurt. In addition, it includes vitamin B-Complex, chrome, Cu, Mg, Mn, P and Zn.Its leaves are a great source of protein and may be exploited to combat malnutrition. In KPK, Moringaplanting and distribution have significant potential to promote farm income, improve nutrition, build upfood security, give a livelihood for rural people, stimulate rural development, and assist sustainable landcare.