Consider the following statements:
1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
2. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Moringa (Moringa oleifera) belongs to the family Moringaceae, which is non-leguminous (does not fix atmospheric nitrogen) and is typically a fast-growing deciduous tree, shedding leaves in dry periods.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) is native to tropical Africa, although it was introduced to South Asia millennia ago and naturalized extensively.
Statement 3 is correct: Tamarind fruit and seeds are widely gathered by tribal communities and forest dwellers as Minor Forest Produce (Non-Timber Forest Produce – NTFP) across central and southern India, covered under minimum support price schemes.
Statement 4 is correct: India is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of tamarind pulp and moringa seeds/powder to markets in North America and Europe.
Statement 5 is correct: Both moringa seeds (yielding high oleic acid Ben oil) and tamarind seeds contain non-edible fatty oils that can undergo transesterification to produce sustainable biodiesel.
Hence, statements 3, 4, and 5 are correct — Option B.