Hayleys Agriculture launched the ‘Jeevadhara’ program to provide one million Moringa (Murunga/Drumstick/Moringa Oleifera) plants to families in Jaffna and neighbouring areas of the Northern Province via a network of 100,000 out-growers.
‘Jeevadhara’ hopes to enhance farmer incomes and livelihoods while creating a sustainable supply of pods and leaves for domestic consumption and value added exports.
The project intends to reach 100,000 households in Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya providing around 10 plants per household.
The first batch of one thousand farmers, were given 10,000 Moringa plants at the Navatkuli Maha Vidyalayam in Kaithady, Jaffna. Hayleys Chairman Mohan Pandithage said the Jeevadhara program underscores the Group’s philosophy of continuously engaging and supporting local communities to help improve their lives and livelihoods.
Managing Director of Hayleys Agriculture Holdings, Rizvi Zaheed said, “The agro ecological conditions in the North, where Jeevadhara is being rolled out, are conducive for Moringa cultivation.”
“Moringa can provide an initial harvest in six to eight months. It is fast-growing, drought tolerant and the tree remains evergreen with exceptionally nutritious leaves, pods and roots.
From the root of the plant to the leaf, every part is valuable,” he said