Hement Raj Kaphale / new chapter in Nepal’s journey toward better nutrition, environmental sustainability and green economic development began today as Chandranagar Rural Municipality in Sarlahi inaugurated Nepal’s First-Ever Moringa (Sajivan) Conference.

Organized under the inspiring theme, “Moringa for Healthy, Well-Nourished Prosperous nation . Moringa for the Nation Green Economy Environment and Nature the two-day conference aims to promote the cultivation utilization and commercialization of moringa while raising public awareness of its exceptional nutritional and medicinal value.

Addressing the inaugural session Rajkumar Mahato Chairperson of Chandranagar Rural Municipality stated that the municipality has been leading annual campaigns to expand moringa cultivation and has distributed thousands of free moringa seedlings to local farmers and households. He emphasized that moringa can play a vital role in improving public health generating rural income and protecting the environment.

The conference brought together distinguished national and international experts policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and moringa advocates from all seven provinces of Nepal.

Among the international speakers was Dr. Patrick Chou (USA), Founder and CEO of Moringa for Love, who is widely recognized as the Global Moringa Father. Through his humanitarian mission spanning more than twenty countries, Dr. Chou has championed moringa as a powerful solution to combat malnutrition, improve public health, reduce poverty and restore the environment. In his inspiring presentation he emphasized the importance of global cooperation in building healthier and more resilient communities through the cultivation and promotion of moringa.

The conference also featured an online presentation by Mohana Gill (Malaysia), the internationally acclaimed author of the award-winning cookbook Moringalicious. A passionate advocate of healthy living she demonstrated how moringa can be transformed into delicious, nutritious everyday meals while highlighting its remarkable health benefits.

Another international presenter Mr. Joshua Haruna (Ghana ) Founder and Executive Director of Africa Moringa Hub, joined the conference virtually. A respected moringa business and holistic advisor, author, trainer marketer and event organizer he shared valuable insights on moringa entrepreneurship international marketing, value-chain development and global partnerships. His presentation encouraged Nepalese entrepreneurs to connect with international markets and strengthen the country’s emerging moringa industry.

National presentations were delivered by Rajkumar Singh Vice-Chairperson of the Madhesh Province Policy and Planning Commission Taranath Niraula Vice-Chairperson of the Koshi Province Policy and Planning Commission Kiran Rupakheti former Finance Secretary of Madhesh Province and renowned environmentalist and international moringa campaigner Hement Raj Kaphale (Moringa Baba). The speakers highlighted moringa’s immense potential to improve nutrition, enhance food security create employment opportunities, and contribute to Nepal’s green economy.
Chandranagar Rural Municipality the conference attracted participants from across Nepal, including students, researchers, entrepreneurs, health professionals, farmers and moringa campaigners.

The event also showcased a vibrant exhibition of moringa-based food products, herbal medicines, cosmetics, and value-added products developed by local entrepreneurs. Visitors had the opportunity to taste a variety of nutritious moringa dishes prepared especially for the conference.

Experts at the conference noted that moringa is exceptionally rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, along with essential minerals such as iron and potassium. Its nutritional profile makes it highly effective in combating malnutrition, strengthening the immune system, regulating blood pressure, supporting diabetes management improving digestion reducing joint pain, and promoting overall health and well-being.

As Nepal hosts its first national conference dedicated entirely to moringa, the event represents a significant milestone in promoting sustainable agriculture, public health and environmental conservation. Participants expressed confidence that the conference will inspire greater collaboration among researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and communities, helping establish Nepal as an emerging leader in the global moringa movement.