Kutlwano : Others

Boasa Integrated Farmers Association in Mabeleapudi would want to fully embrace the economic potential of Moringa tree. 

The economic spin-offs of this ambitious project abound and can bring about a ray of hope at a time when the country’s economic landscape is at its lowest ebb.

Upon realising Moringa’s economic potential, the 48 member’ association has a dream to plant the ‘tree of life’ over a huge chunk of land measuring 28 hectors at Selathamokowe/Taukome lands.

The association has started the ball rolling by digging deep-down individual members’ pockets to plough 10 of the 28 hectors with the view of augmenting hectorage planted in the near future.

They started the project with the help of one Mr Hunter of Hunter Global Network, who was the brain behind the planting of Moringa trees at Gakuto in the Kweneng District.

The upbeat chairperson of the association, Gobonetse Seetswane, relays in an interview that huge employment prospects lay ahead if all goes well.

To add cherry on top, the expected economic spin-offs that will be derived from the multi-million Pula project according to Seetswane, will bolster the overall development of the little-known Mabeleapudi village.

“Members of the association conceived the idea of ploughing Moringa tree as a business as far back as 2025 and we remain ambitious that we will become the beehive of Moringa production and its 17-level value chain ranging from seed propagation to products like oil, powder, tea, capsules and many others,’’ he says of the high-value ‘miracle tree.’

At full production, the project is expected to churn-out millions of Pula from the sale of Moringa trees and will supply far-flung places, including Europe, which has shown interest in the project.

Furthermore, Seetswane indicates that together with the group he leads, they have done a fair share of research on Moringa and learned about the symbiotic relationship between the plant and humans and realized the tree’s nutritional value and healing power.

Beyond providing food, he notes Moringa leaves can be used as relish or morogo, adding that every part of the Moringa plant is edible. 

“Moringa powder is used as a medicine in multiple ways that prevent and treat chronic diseases like inflammatory diseases, diabetes and cancer, among others,” he says.

He adds that they have decided to plant the Moringa Oleifera variety, whose leaves can also be used to produce tea. 

“It boosts the immune system and improves digestive health. It supports blood sugar regulation, heart and skin health while providing vitamins A, C and E,” he says.

The saying that one should not despise small beginnings resonates well with the association’s vision, which advocates for a full-blown professional company that will have a board of directors conducting its affairs, accountants, security personnel, transport and logistics as well as many other professionals.

Seetswane is worried though, about the impassable road that leads to the farm, especially during the rainy season. 

It is his fervent prayer that the road could be maintained to a better standard sooner than later to ensure smooth production.

An elderly man, Maruapula Tumelo from Molodi cattle post, near Tshimoyapula attests that Moringa leaves and powder have healing properties, having used the same, to treat his foot joint that was problematic in the past.

He attributes the improvement of his blood pressure to Moringa leaves and advises people to normalise using Moringa and to plant the trees in their yards. 

Mogametsi Tapologo, aged 47, attests that after drinking Moringa juice, one feels confident and energetic, describing the tree as a powerful remedy for numerous ailments.

The tree, also known as a wonder tree, has enormous value and incredible potential for protecting and nourishing hair and skin as well as treating swelling and upset stomach.

Traditionally, the plant is used to cure wounds, pain, ulcers, liver and heart diseases, cancer as well as inflammation. ENDS

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