Revolutionizing Gum Tapping : A Manual Blazer for Moringa oleifera Gum Tapping

Abstract

Natural gums are among the important non timber forest products and are produced from a wide range of plants. Devices for commercially important gums tapping from selected tree species have been developed and standardized but manually operated light weight efficient device for moringa gum tapping from Moringa oleifera trees is lacking. Considering the need, a manually operated portable blazer for sustainable gum tapping from Moringa oleifera trees was developed and evaluated in actual field condition. Developed gum tapping blazer consists of working blade, depth control mechanism and handle. During the process of moringa gum tapping experiment from Moringa oleifera trees utilizing developed blazer, it was observed that blazes on the tree trunk of Moringa oleifera trees could be easily made using developed blazer having sharp edges in semicircular shape. Developed gum tapping blazer was operated easily without any problem. Depth control mechanism provided in the developed gum tapping blazer was also found working as per requirement and suitable for operating the blazer easily. Developed blazer is portable, manually operated and user friendly equipment. Mean yield of moringa gum was found 59.76 g with minimum mean gum production 2.19 g in the month of October, 2020 and mean maximum gum production 257.85 g in the month of July, 2021, respectively. Semicircular blazes on the tree trunk of Moringa oleifera trees for moringa gum tapping can be develop easily with reduced manpower requirement, drudgery and time utilizing developed gum tapping blazer.