Moringa cultivation thrives in Hail amid innovation and diverse benefits

The moringa tree is seeing increasing cultivation in the Hail region, having demonstrated its ability to adapt to harsh climate conditions and withstand drought and water scarcity. This makes it a promising option for desert and semi-desert environments.

Abdulaziz Al-Obaida, chairman of the Hail Cooperative Moringa Association, said his experience with moringa farming began over a decade ago. His farm now covers 50,000 square meters and is home to more than 30,000 trees, ranging in height from 5 to 14 meters and representing 13 different varieties, including the tamarisk-like peregrina and the densely-leaved oleifera.

Al-Obaida noted that moringa trees are active from May through the end of January, depending on the intensity of cold weather. The species has proven its ability to adapt to dry areas thanks to its minimal water requirements. Some studies have shown that moringa can purify the air at 21 times the rate of other trees. It is also known by several names, including the tree of life, yusr, and ban.

Nutritional value and diverse uses

Al-Obaida added that moringa contains important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, and is used in traditional medicine as well as for culinary and cosmetic purposes. Its fresh leaves are used in dishes like spinach and salads, and tea can be made from its leaves and pale yellowish-white flowers. The long green pods are cooked like beans or dried for their seeds, which yield moringa oil, a product of significant economic value.

He pointed out that moringa oil, extracted from the seeds, is notable for its stability and quality, making it suitable for food and cosmetic industries. The leaves, flowers, and pods are also dried and ground into a powder with high nutritional value, according to international research.

Expanding cultivation and supporting the local economy

Regarding the expansion of moringa cultivation, Al-Obaida emphasized that this represents an opportunity to benefit from economically viable plants, especially in arid regions. He explained that leafy moringa varieties have been successfully grown in Hail due to favorable environmental conditions, particularly low dust and humidity levels.