UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

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: 

• The Moringa tree, also known as the Drumstick Tree or the Miracle Tree is medium-sized evergreen tree that is non-leguminous. Thus, this tree does not fix the atmospheric nitrogen. So, statement 1 is not correct.
  
  
• Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is an evergreen tree native to tropical Africa. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• Under the scheme "Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support Price", Minimum Support Price (MSP) for selected Minor Forest Produce (MFP) has been fixed. This includes Tamarind (with and without seeds), Sal seed and leaves, Neem seeds, Jamun seeds etc. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  
• Apart from the leaves, Moringa seeds and oil are in great demand in the overseas market. India exports moringa to the US, Western Europe and Japan. India also exports most of its Tamarind to the United Arab Emirates, United States and Australia. So, statement 4 is correct.
  
  
• Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used for biofuel. The oil from the Moringa tree is considered to be a more sustainable biodiesel feedstock than jatropha oil. So, statement 5 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Agriculture and Allied Sectors(geo)