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?
Moringa (Moringa oleifera), also known as drumstick tree, belongs to the family Moringaceae and is a handsome softwood tree, native to India, occurring wild in the sub-Himalayan regions of Northern India and now grown world wide in the tropics and sub-tropics. The pod of moringa is a very popular vegetable in South Indian cuisine and valued for their distinctly inviting flavour. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a hardwood tree. It is native to Africa but also grows in India, Pakistan, and many other tropical regions. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Moreover, in India most of the Tamarind is collected as Minor Forest Produce with Minimum Support Price. Tamarind is also actively exported from India. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are correct. Biodiesel is derived from the tamarind seed through the transesterification process as potential alternative feedstock for the diesel engine. Hence, statement 5 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.