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?

QUESTION

Hard

Indian Geography

Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements:

Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia.
In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Moringa oleifera (drumstick tree) is a deciduous tree, not an evergreen one. Furthermore, it belongs to the family Moringaceae and is not a leguminous plant; it does not possess root nodules for nitrogen fixation.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) is native to tropical Africa. While it is widely grown and naturalized in India, it is not endemic to South Asia.

Statement 3 is Correct: In India, tamarind is categorized and collected as Minor Forest Produce (MFP). It serves as a vital source of income for many tribal and forest-dwelling communities.

Statement 4 is Correct: India is a major exporter of tamarind. Similarly, moringa seeds are exported for their high oil content and medicinal properties.

Statement 5 is Correct: Seeds of both plants have biofuel potential. Moringa seeds have a high oil content (about 30-40%) that can be processed into biodiesel, and tamarind seed oil is also researched for similar applications in the energy sector.

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