Is there any one who know tthe buyer / Market of Velvet bean or mucuna pruriens
I would expect the market to be quite limited except where it is in demand for seed as a cover crop or for fodder/forage, etc. After your harvest you might consider shifting to a different crop if you have trouble marketing them. They are not a good food source for humans because if consumed in significant quantities it is toxic and can cause some health problems. Some people use it as a coffee substitute.
But these are the main opportunities for marketing…
1. Nutritional Supplements and Health Products:
- L-DOPA content: Mucuna pruriens is rich in L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, making it popular in treatments for Parkinson’s disease and as a natural supplement to boost dopamine levels. It’s often sold as a powder, capsule, or extract in health stores or online.
- Adaptogenic use: It’s also used in adaptogenic formulations to help with stress, libido, and overall energy.
2. Animal Feed and Agriculture:
- Fodder crop: In some parts of the world, Mucuna pruriens is grown as a forage crop because of its high protein content.
- Soil improvement: Velvet bean is also utilized in agriculture for green manure and as a cover crop due to its nitrogen-fixing properties, improving soil fertility for future crops.
3. Cosmetic and Ayurvedic Products:
- In Ayurvedic medicine, Mucuna pruriens has been used for centuries, which creates demand in traditional medicine and natural product markets.
Potential Buyers and Marketplaces:
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Alibaba, Amazon, and specialty herbal platforms often list Velvet bean products for sale in bulk or in smaller quantities.
- Herbal Manufacturers: Companies that specialize in natural supplements, Ayurvedic products, or adaptogens may be interested in purchasing Velvet beans for use in their formulations.
- Farmers and Agricultural Co-ops: Farmers looking for soil improvement crops or alternative feed may be another market.