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Arishtha Amazônia by eco-logic-systems.com

The Neem Tree An introduction and history Neem is a medium sized to large tree characterized by its short, straight bole, furrowed, dark brown to gray bark, and dense rounded crown of pinnate leaves. Native to south Asia, Neem is widely planted and naturalized in semi-arid areas throughout Asia and Africa. Neem is an evergreen of the tropics and sub-tropics. It belongs to the family Meliaceae and is becoming increasingly popular for its insect repellant traits and unique property of inhibiting the nitrification process in the soil. Scientists have now turned their attention to this wonder tree and are studying the chemical composition of extracts from its leaves, seed kernel, bark and other parts. Several Neem -based biological pesticides are available today. Scientists suggest mixing of Neem extracts with prilled urea to increase the efficiency in use of nitrogen in wetlands. Neem derivatives such as Azadirachtin, nimbicidin and a host of other compounds are now used in commercial pesticides. Many bioactive ingredients have been identified and isolated, the most important ones being azadirachtin and meliantriol. Neem has been used widely in Indian traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes for many centuries. Scientific investigations carried out during the last two decades have, in fact, reported anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-fertility properties of Neem with a view to develop Neem-based products for human use. With an extensive and deep root system, the hardy Neem can grow luxuriantly even in marginal and leached soils. Native to India, it thrives upto an elevation of 1000m. The Neem flowers profusely between February and May. The honey-scented white flowers, found in clusters are a good source of nectar for bees. Neem fruits are green drupes which turn golden yellow on ripening in the month of June, July and August in India. Neem kernels have about 45% oil. The compounds isolated from the kernels have shown diverse effects including repellent, feeding and oviposition deterrent, growth regulating, sterilant and impairing hatching of eggs. No plant or chemical is known to have such diverse effects on insects. Neem seed cake in purified form is a good protien supplement in livestock feed. The termite resistant Neem timber is used as a building material and in making furniture and farm implements. The bark yields tannin and gum. The amber-hued gum is used as a dye in textiles and traditional medicines. Leaves are used as fodder and green manure.

The Gift Of Neem The most active, currently identified ingredient of Neem is 'azadirachtin'. It finds applications in Neem - based pesticide formulations which are safe, natural, bio-deg adeable, manageable at the farmer's level and environment friendly, unlike chemical and synthetic pesticides which leave behind residues polluting air, water and soil. This has caused concerns worldwide and there is a widespread demand to replace chemical pesticides with botanical pest control agents. Neem has been identified as the number one alternative which makes it very important for the future.

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Soils And Topography In India, Neem grows in the plains and in areas that reach an elevation of approx. 1850 m. In its introduced range, Neem is cultivated from sea level to a 1500 m elevation Neem is tolerant to most soil types including dry, stony, shallow soils, lateritic crusts, highly leached sands and clays. It is well adapted to soils with pH of 5.0 to 8.5, but grows best on deep, porous well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. It is moderately tolerant of high alkaline soils with high levels of sodium, carbonates and bicarbonates and has been successfully established on steep, highly eroded sites as well as on degraded soils with calcareous hardpans close to the surface. Neem growth is poor on seasonaly waterlogged sites, silty sands, silty alluvial flats, and poorly drained clays as well as dry sands where the dry season water table is below 8m in depth. On soils deficient in zinc and potassium, growth of Neem trees is poor. The growth of Neem appears to be closely related to soil moisture availability. Growth is best on freely drained sites where the water table fluctuates between an approx. depth of 3 to 5 m throughout the year. Neem is a useful species for improving soil fertility on degraded dry sites due to the quality of its leaf litter and relatively rapid rate of leaf decomposition. On fallow, loam ferric acrisols in Togo, topsoil pH and calcium concentrations under 5 year old Neem stands increased at a more rapid rate than those in adjacent stands of Acacia auriculiformis A Cunn. ex Benth. and Albiziz lebbek (L.) Benth. Increases in soil pH from 5.0 to 7.0 under Neem stands have been observed elsewhere in Africa.

Associated Forest Cover In India, Neem is found in a variety of dry evergreen, decidous and thorn forest types. In nothern dry evergreen forests, it is commonly associated with: • Albizia amara Boivin, A. Lebbek, • Manilkars hexandra (Roxb.) Dub., • Sapindus amarginata Vahl. • Tamarindus indica L. In nothern desert thorn forests, it grows in association with:

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• Acacia leucophloea Willd. • A. senegal Willd. • Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. • Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. • Holoptelea integrifolia Planch. • Proposis cineraria (L.) Druce. In very dry teak forests, its associates include • Anogeissus latifolia Wall. • Boswellia serrata Roxb. • Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. • Sterculia urens Roxb. • Tectona grandis L.f. In southern tropical dry mixed decidous forests, Neem grows with: • Acacia catechu Willd. • A. latifolia • A. leucophleoa • Bauhini spp. • Boswellia serrata • Terminalia tomentosa W & A., as well as in sucessional forests dominted by Acacia ssp. and Anogeissus pendula Edgw. Neem is also found in the southern tropical thorn forests with: • Acacia catechu • A chundra Willd. • A. ferruginea DC. • A. latronum WILLD. • A. leucophloea • A. nilotica (L.) Del. ssp. indica (Benth.) Bren. • Albiziz amara • Chloroxylon swietenia DC.

History of Neem Tree The history of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) is inextricably linked to the history of the Indian way of life. Although the antiquity of Neem is shrouded in the mists of time, this evergreen robust-looking tree has long been cherished as a symbol of health in the country of its origin. It has, for a very long time, been a friend and protector of the Indian villager. It is therefore not unusual to find several towns and villages in the Indian countryside named after Neem; for example Neemuch, Neem-ka-Thana, Neemrana, Nemawar and Nimbahera in the northern parts and Limbgoan and Udagir in the western and southern parts of India. These towns and villages were probably set within dense Neem groves, at one time, on which the villagers depended for shelter, food, fuel and medicines. Trees and forests have remained central to the Indian civilization and Neem has been among the most venerated plant species.

Neem in Indian lifestyle To generations of Indians Neem was known to provide protection from disease - therefore protecting and planting Neem was not only considered sacred duty - but it was encouraged by religious sanction. Brihat Samhita, an ancient Hindu treatise, contains a chapter of verses on plant medicine. It contains reccomendations for specific trees to be planted in the vicinity of one's house. Neem was highly reccommended. This can also be borne out by the widely held Hindu belief that one who plants three Neem trees lives after death in Suryalok (Sun World) for three Yugas (epochs) and never goes to hell. (Dr. Shiva 1993) The Neem tree is tied in with every aspect of traditional Indian science and culture. Even in ancient Indian astrology, Neem finds a prominent place. It is associated with the constellation 'Uttara Bhadrapada', whose presiding diety is Abibudhanya. In Indian mythology, insects were said to be the creation of Asuras (the demons) from whom Neem was said to protect, by weakening their life patterns. The curative properties of Neem were attributed to the belief that a few drops of heavenly nectar fell on it. The efficacy of Neem as a medicine has been documented in several different ancient treatises like the Atharva Veda, the Ghrhyasutra, the Sutragrantha and in the Purana. In Sanskrit the language of ancient Indian literature, it is referred to as Nimba, which is a derivative of the term Nimbati Swastyamdadati (To give good health) Randhawa 1993.

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Common names for Azadirachta indica in different countries of the world • Pakistan - Nimmi, Nimuri, Limbo • Malaysia - Baypay, dawoon-mambu • Indonesia - Intaran, Mempheuh, Imba, Mindi, Mimbo • Burma - Tamaka, Thin, Thinboro Tamakha, Bowtamaka, Tama, Tamabin • France - Azadirac de I'Inde, Margosier, Margousier • Germany - Grossblaettiger Zedrach, Indischer Zedrach, Niem, Nim, Niembaum • Kenya - Muarubaini • Iran - Azad Darakth e Hind, Neeb, Nib • Portugal - Amargoseira, Margosa, Nimbo • Singapore - Kohumba, Nimba,Nimbagaha • Sri Lanka - Kohumba, Nimbu-nimbagaha • Thailand - Sadao India, Kwinin, Dao • Yemen - Meraimarah • Australia - Neem • Papua New Guinea - Neem • Fiji - Neem • Nigeria - Babo Yaro, Dogon Yaro • Tanzania - Mwarobaini • Madagascar - Nim • U.S.A - Neem • Latin America - Nim • France - Azadira d'Inde, Azadirac, Lilas de Indes, Margousier • Spain - Paraiso de India, Margosa • United Kingdom - Indian Lilac, Neem

Common names for Azadirachta indica in different regions of India • Assam - Nim • Bengal - Nim, Neemgachh, Neem • Gujarat - Limda, Limbado, Leemgo, Danu-jhada, Kohalu limdo, Kohumba, Libado, Leemdo, Nimuri • Central India - Nim, Nimb, Bal-nimb. Neem, Nind, Karnataka Bevinamara, Bevu, Hebbevu, Kiri-bevu, Kai-bevu, Nimb,

Kadbevinamara, Olle, Udgi, Val-venu, Venu,Vevu Kol Nim • Konkan - Nim • Kumaon Hills - Betain • Kerala - Aryaveppu, Veppu, Aryaveshnu, Rajavedhu, Vepe • Maharashtra - Limda, Limb, Nimbay, Nimuri, Balanti-limb, Bal-nimb, Limdachajhada, Kadu-limba • Orissa - Kakopholo, Limbo, Nimbu, Nimo • Punjab - Bakam, Drekh, Nim, Neem, MahaNeem • Rajasthan - Neem, Neemro • Sindh - Nimmi, Nimuri, Limbo • Tamil Nadu - Aruhundi, Kaduppagai, Kaingi, Vembu, Veppam, Nimbamu, Nimbanu, Taruka,Veepachettu, Vempa, Vepa,

Veppa • Andhra Pradesh - Nimbanuv, Vepa, Yeppa, Yapa, Vepachettu, Yapachattu, Taruka, • Vemu, Bevu, Keybevu

Chemical Composition of Neem Tree Neem is bitter in taste. The bitterness is due to an array of complex compounds called "triterpenes" or more specifically "limonoids". Nearly 100 protolimonoids, limonoids or tetranortriterpenoids, pentanortriterpenoids, hexanortriterpenoids and some nonterpenoid constituents have been isolated form various parts of the Neem tree (Jones et al. 1989, Koul et al.,1990); still more are being isolated. The most important bioactive principal is azadirachtin; at least 10 other limonoids possess insect growth in regulating activity (Saxena 1989, Schmutterer 1990) Neem fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, bark and roots have such uses as

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general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhoea, fever and bronchitis, skin diseases, septic sores, infected burns, hypertensions and inflammatory diseases. Neem oil and its isolates - nimbidin, nimbidiol and nimbin inhibit fungal growth on humans and animals. Neem leaf extracts and teas can treat malaria. The anti-malarial action is attributable to gedunin, a limonoid. Contact of kissing bugs, Rhodnius prolixus, vectors of Chagas' disease in Latin America, with Neem extracts or azadirachtin "immunizes" them against the protozoan parasite Trypanosome cruzi, opening up new possibilities of controlling the diseases. (Vietmeyer 1992).

Physico-Composition Of Fresh Neem Leaves Moisture 59.4 %

Proteins 7.1 %

Fat 1.0 %

Fibre 6.2 %

Carbohydrates 22.9 %

Minerals 3.4 %

Calcium 510 Mg/100g

Phosphorous 80 Mg/100g

Iron 17 Mg/100g

Thiamine 0.04 Mg/100g

Niacin 1.40 Mg/100g

Vitamin C 218 Mg/100g

Carotene 1998 Microgram/100g

Carolific Value 1290 Kcal/Kg

Glutamic acid 73.30 Mg/100g

Tyrosine 31.50 Mg/100g

Aspartic acid 15.50 Mg/100g

Alanine 6.40 Mg/100g

Proline 4.00 Mg/100g

Glutamine 1.00 Mg/100g

Therapeutic uses of Neem Medical properties of Neem have been known to Indians since time immemorial. The earliest Sanskrit medical writings refer to the benefits of Neem's fruits, seeds, oil, leaves, roots and barks. Each of these has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicines.

Freedom from disease Neem provides an answer to many incurable diseases. Traditionally Neem products have been used against heat-rash, boils, wounds, jaundice, leprosy, skin disorders, stomach ulcers, chicken pox, etc. Modern research also confirms Neem's curative powers in case of many diseases and provides indications that Neem might in future be used much more widely.

Properties of Neem Since ancient times, Neem has been associated with healing in the sub-continent of India. A large number of medicinals, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals are now based on Neem derivatives because of it's unique properties.

Bark Neem bark is cool, bitter, astringent, acrid and refrigerant. It is useful in tiredness, cough, fever, loss of appetite, worm infestation. It heals the wounds and is also used in vomiting, skin diseases and excessive thirst.

Leaves According to Ayurveda, Neem leaves help in the treatment of vatik disorders (neuro muscular pains). Neem leaves are also reported to remove toxins, purify blood and prevent damage caused by free radical in the body by neutralising them. Neem leaves are reported to be beneficial in eye disorders and insect bite poisons. It treats Vatik Disorders (neuroand muscular pains).

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Fruits Neem fruits are bitter, purgative, antihemorrhodial and anthelmintic in nature.

Flowers Neem flowers are used in vitiated conditions of pitta (balancing of the body heat) and kapha (cough formation). They are astringent, anthelmintic and non-toxic.

Seeds Neem seeds are also described as anthelminitic, antileprotic, antipoisonous and bitter in taste.

Oil Neem oil derived from crushing the seeds is antidermatonic, a powerful anthelmintic and is bitter in taste. It has a wide spectrum of action and is highly medicinal in nature.

Mixture Five parts of Neem tree ie. Bark, Root, Fruit, Flower and Leaves together are used in diseases of blood. It is also used in vitiated conditions of excess heat, itching, wound burning sensation in body and skin diseases.

Traditional use of Neem in India There are several instances of Indian traditional custom sanctifying and encouraging usage of Neem. For instance Neem leaves have been used by holymen to avert illuck and diseases. Neem leaves are kept in the mouth signifying grief, on returning from funerals. A concoction made of Neem leaves, flowers, jaggery and raw mango is drunk on a new year's day for safegaurding health. (Gahukar 1995) In the times when the Vedas were composed the Neem was called the Sarva Roga Nivarini, (one that could cure all ailments and ills.) and continued to be regarded for several centuries. However, with the advent of the Portugese, British and French colonists in the Indian subcontinent a few hundred years ago, the traditional practices like using Neem leaves to protect crops and stored grains came to be regarded as backward practices and created a stigma, which led to the abandoning of these ecologically sound practice in favour of modern chemical products imported from the west. Centuries of knowledge and wisdom accumulated in the minds of people based on the trials and errors of generations gone by were threatened, slowly but surely.

Rational traditional knowledge However the values of their forefathers were too deeply ingrained to be totally abondoned and they lingered in the minds of the masses. Neem continued to provide toothbrush, soap, sacrament, and spiritual food to millions of Indians. The continued usage of Neem represented not a condition of primitiveness but was a fine example of rational traditional knowledge prevailing over misguided modern notions. It represented the truimph of a rationale once understood, expounded through custom, and translated into practice for the largest common good. In the past, the combination of medicinal and agricultural values of Neem made it a favoured companion of Indians journeying to distant lands in search of their fortunes and this contributed to its widespread distribution and propogation across continents. To Indians in foreign lands the Neem tree brought solace and helped them bridge the gap with their homeland. It symbolized a continuity of tradition and fulfilled the need to live in intimate harmony with nature. Thus the Neem tree found itself at home in Mauritius, Fiji, Australia, East and Sub-Sahelian Africa, South East Asia, many countries in central and south America and the Carribbean. With this journey across oceans, the saga of Neem spread to the far corners of the globe. (Tewari 1992)

Pioneering work in Neem research During the course of the freedom movement in India, led by Mahatma Gandhi, there was an upsurge of the 'Swadeshi' or nationalistic sentiment. This led to a move to encourage 'Swadeshi' science. Neem research in India was a part of this movement. Pioneering work on the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake was done by the Indian Institute of science in Bangalore during the 1920s. Until 1933, Neem cake was used in the sugar cane fields as a fertilizer and to keep termites at bay. At this point synthetic pesticides and remedies appeared in the market and overshadowed the pioneering work of indigenious science. Mahatma Gandhi, however kept the tradition of Neem alive. He was known to be a firm believer in the goodness of Neem. Dr Ekaid, in reply to some queries about Neem leaves by Gandhi, wrote. "We have made experiments upon Neem leaves in our laboratory which revealed that its leaves contain more nutritious elements than any other similar vegetation which had been subjected to chemical analysis earlier". The prayer meetings at the Sabarmati Ashram were conducted under a Neem tree by the Mahatma Gandhi and a Neem leaf chutney was a part of his everyday diet. (Dr. Shiva 1993)

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Investgations and developments done on Neem in the recent past The Neem tree symbolizes all that is wondrous in nature; it is a means to future hope for better health and prosperity. Industrial development and greening of the earth as an integrated approach will soon gain ground to be a popular practice in the 21st century and beyond. The information being generated on it in the modern format of science continues to confirm all the ancient claims. Its mammalian safety and environment friendliness reports are highly encouraging. Its bioactivity spectrum against the harmful organisms is ever increasing. Following is a informal compilation of sime of the investigations done in Neem in recent past.

The Leaf Neem leaves are now known to contain nimbin, nimbinene desacetylnimbinase, nimbandial, nimbolide and quercentin. Neem leaves have shown potential in the following areas: • Studies indicate that tender leaves are effective in Parasitic infections; • A 10% aqueous extract of tender leaves has been found to posess anti-viral properties; • Studies on plasma clotting time using Russel's viper venom have proved that the leaf extract contains a clotting inhibitor. This

justifies its use in the treatment of poisonous bites; • A total extract of Neem leaves has shown potential as a potent Hepatoprotective agent; • Water extract of Neem leaves have shown significant antiulcer activity; • Essential oil from fresh leaves has a mild fungicidal action; • Neem leaf extract shows significant Anti-inflammatory effect; • Neem leaf extract have shown reduction in the frequency and severity of stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions; • Intraperitoneal administration of Neem leaf, bark and seed extracts revealed immuno-stimulatory properties of Neem, which

are responsible for their anti- HIV effect. The Fruit & Seeds • Azadirachtins from Neem seed kernel, are among more than a 100 compounds found in Neem. So far twelve azadirachtins

have been identified, all the twelve have high level of biological activity; • It has been reported that a single low dose of azadirachtin immunized the kissing bug a transmitter of Chagas disease.

Azadirachtins have shown inhibition of larval, pupal and adult moults and of reproduction and fitness of both plant-feeding and aquatic larvae like mosquitoes;

• Gedunin, contained in whole fruit has been shown to possess antimalarial activity. The Bark • Nimibidin found in Neem bark is now known to be antipyretic and non-irritant, and it has found to be effective in treatment

of skin diseases such as eczema, furunculosis, arsenical dermatitis, burn ulcers, Herpes labialis, scabies and seborrhaeic dermatitis;

• It is also effective in the treatment of skin diseases of unknown origin, such as warts and dandruff; • Extracts of bark have potent diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties; • Nimbidin and sodium nimbidinate contained in Neem bark are reported to possess spermicidal activity; • Neem bark has shown anti-bacterial activity against various gram positive organisms.

Recent Developments on Neem in the Developed World For the past two decades, Neem has come under close scientific scrutiny as a source of novel, natural insecticides in numerous international conferences, mostly held in developed countries, the latest being in Australia in Feb., 1996. Nearly 2000 scientific papers have been published to date on Neem. Australia with its large tracts of unused arid and semi-arid lands may become the largest grower of Neem in the next couple of decades.

Interest in Neem in the developed world The interest in Neem in the developed world is attributable to the fact that Neem-based pest control products with diverse modes of action are not only effective against pests, but also inherently safer, less persistent in the environment, and less prone to the problem of pest resistance than the synthetics. Today, technical grade Neem active ingredients, principally azadirachtins, fetch the highest price, about US$ 375/kg as 'Margosan', containing 0.3% azadirachtin, was granted approval from the US Environmental Agency for non-food uses on ornamentals and landscape plants; in 1993 EPA approved the use of Neem products, such as 'Neemix' on food crops. The U.S. based W.R. Grace Co., which holds patents from the US Patent and Trademarks Office (PTO) on the method of extracting the insecticide from Neem, is advertising Neemix as a "modern technology

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from ancient trees". Agridyne, another U.S. - based company, is marketing 'Align' (with 3% azadirachtin and 97% inert ingredients, mainly other Neem limonoids) for control of insect pests in vegetable, fruit, nut and agronomic crops. Both products are now being used on commercial-scale crop management in Canada. Neem-based pesticides are expected to capture 10% of the global pesticide market by the next decade. Grace and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have also obtained a patent on a technique for using a Neem extract as a fungicide. A total of nearly 50 patents have been grated on Neem so far. The use of additives, adjuvants, activators, and even Bt, are being examined for potentiating the activity of azadirachtins against insect pests (Walter and Stark 1996). The Grace's patenting of Neem pesticides and their formulations has evoked serious criticism an challenge in the developing world, particularly in India, as an example of 'folk wisdom piracy'. Neem has been used in the Indian subcontinent for ages for insect control and for a range of medical purposes, and should be regarded as 'prior art'. In case of Neem, the wheel of technologfy as turned East to West, rather than West to East. Efforts are underway in some European countries to extract azadirachtin on a commercial scale from Neem calli. But, in all probability, such ventures would remain nonviable and economically unjustifiable. Quantity Neem seed with high aza content would remain the basic raw material for production of Neem-based insecticides of the future. In that context, tropical countries of Asia and Africa could become major exporters of the raw material or even value-added finished products

Neem in Human & Animal Health Since ancient times, Neem has been associated with healing in the sub-continent of India. The early Ayurvedic literature, especially 'Charak Samhita', and the Unani sy em of medicine document Neem's medicinal and therapeutic uses. Even in Africa, Tropical America etc., where Neem has been introduced in recent times, people have learnt of Neem as herbal treatments for various ailments. A large number of medicinals, cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticals are now based on Neem products.

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Neem In Human Health Neem for digestive disorders Digestive system comprises of mouth, oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, small intestines and large intestines. Impairment in the physiological functions of any of these organs leads to digestive disorders. Neem works wonders in treating digestive disorders like Diarrhoea, Dysentry, Hyperacidity and constipation. The acrid, astringent, stomatic action of Neem helps cure disorders. For Diarhoea and Dysentry - Neem leaves juice 1 tablespoon with sugar can be given twice a day. For Hyperacidity - ingestion of 2-5 Neem leaves for few days relieves nausea. Neem bark powder 10 g in boiled 1 cup of plain water reduced to one fourth given for few days cures hyperacidity and reduces nausea. For constipation - Neem powder 2-3 g with 3-4 black pepper given twice daily acts as a laxative and demulcent.

Neem for respiratory disorders Nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs comprise the respiratory system. Commonest symptom found in many respiratory disorder like bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tuberoclosis, pleuritis etc is cough. Decoction of Neem bark is used as a antitussive for dry cough. Dry Neem leaves powder of 1g with honey twice helps to revive condition.

Neem for urinary disorders Neem is found effective in conditions like albuminuria, phosphaturia and burning micturition. 3 g of Neem leaves powder should be boiled with 4 cups of water till it reduces to 2 cups. This should be strained. This decoction given twice a day helps in this above mentioned conditions. In burning micturition, 1 tablespoon Neem leaves juice taken thrice a day is helpful.

Neem for skin diseases Neem's antiseptic properties are widely recongnized now. Neem preperations are reportedly efficacious against a variety of skin diseases, septic sores and infected burns.The leaves, applied in form of poultices or decoction are also recommended for boils, ulcers and eczema. The Neem oil is also used for skin diseases like scrofula, indolent ulcers and ringworm.

Neem for leucoderma In this condition, white patches on the skin can be seen anywhere in the body. It may be present on lips and eyebrows also. 10 drops of Neem oil mixed with 1 teaspoon sugar twice a day given regularly helps in curing this disorder to a very great extend.

Neem for diabetes Neem being bitter, stomachic, antipruritic, tonic and revitaliser works wonders in this disease. One tablespoon (5 ml) of Neem leaves juice taken daily in morning on empty stomach for 3 months is helpful in diabetes. 10 Neem leaves chewed or powder taken daily in morning also controls diabetes.

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Neem for fungi infections Neem is reported to be found effective in treating certain fungi that infect the fuman body such as athlete's foot fungus that infects hair, skin and nails; a ringworm that invades both skin and nails of feet; a fungus of the intestinal tract; a fungus that causes infections of the bronchi, lungs and mucous membranes and a fungus that is part of the normal mucous flora that can get out of control leading to lesions in mouth, vagina, skin, hands and lungs.

Neem for viral diseases Neem has been used traditionally in India to treat several viral diseases. Even many medical practitioners believes that smallpox, chicken pox and warts can be treated with a paste of Neem leaves - usually rubbed directly on the infected skin area. Experiments with smallpox, chicken pox and fowl pox show that Neem is convincingly effective against prevention if not for cure. Crude Neem extracts absorbs the viruses effectively preventing them from spreading over unaffected cells. Recent tests have shown that Neem is effective against herpes virus and the viral DNA polymerase of hepatitis B virus.

Neem for dental care Rural inhabitants in India and Africa have been using Neem twigs as tooth brush for centuries. Neem twigs contain antiseptic ingradients which provide required dental hygiene. Ayurveda describes Neem as herbal drug which is used to clean the teeth and maintain dental hygiene. Neem in the form of powder is also used to brush teeth and massage gums.

Neem for Chagas disease Chagas disease is a major health problem is Latin America. It cripples millions of people there every year. Laboratory tests in Germany and Brazil show that Neem may be an answer to this dreadful disease. The disease is caused by a parasite which is spread by an insect called kissing bug. Extracts of Neem leaves have effects on these kissing bugs. Research has shown that feeding Neem to the bugs not only frees them from parasites, but azadirachtin prevents the young instects from molting and the adults from reproducing.

Neem for Malaria In ayurvedic medicine system Neem is used to treat malarial fevers. Recent experiments have shown that one of the Neem's components, gedunin is as effective as Quinine against malaria. Malaria affects millions of people, even in most developed cities and is responsible for about 2 million deaths every year in Indian and several other African and tropical countries. China has adopted Neem in a very big way for it's anti-malarial operations. Their formulation based in Neem viz. 'Quinahausu' cures malaria quite effectively. Neem oil treated mosquito nets and mosquito-repellent cheap tablets are also becoming popular. Because of growing problems of resistance to conventional treatments, it is becoming more and more difficult to control malaria. Neem's use in malaria is surely a big hope in completely eradicating malaria.

Neem In Animal Health For centuries Neem has been used in India provide health cover to livestock in various forms. It has also very widely been used as animal feed. Ancient Sanskrit literature indicates that Neem applications were used by Nakul and Sahadeva in the epic of Mahabharata as well as afterwards in a large number of indigenous prescriptions and formulations. Almost every part of the tree is bitter and finds application in indigenous medicine. Records exist that Neem has been used in a large number of ailments in animals ranging from systemic disorders to infections and injuries. In modern veterinary medicine Neem extracts are known to possess anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and they have been used successfully in cases of stomach worms and ulcers. The stem and root bark and young fruits are reported to possess astringent, tonic and anti-periodic properties. The root bark is reported to be more active than the stem bark and young fruits. The bark is reported to be beneficial in cutaneous diseases.

Sap Some trees, especially near the water courses exude a sap naturally form the stemtip. The sap is considered refrigerant, nutrient and tonic, and useful in skin diseases, a tonic in dyspepsia and general debility.

Gum The Neem bark exudes a clear, bright and amber-coloured gum, known as the East India gum. The gum is stimulant, demulcent and tonic and is useful in catarrhal and other infections.

Leaves The leaves contain nimbin, nimbinene, 6-desacetylnimbiene, nimbandiol, nimbolide and quercetin. The presence of betasitosterol, n-hexacosanol and nonacosane is also reported. Leaves are carminative and aid digestion. The tender leaves

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along with Piper nigrum Linn., are found to be effective in intestinal helminthiasis. The paste of leaves is useful in ulceration of cow-pox. An aqueous extract (10%) of tender leaves is reported to possess anti-viral properties against vaccinia, variola, foulpox and New Castle disease virus. The extract of leaf yields fractions which marketedly delay the clotting time of blood. The strong decoction of fresh leaves is stated to be an antisceptic. The hot infusion of leaves is used as anodyne for fomenting swollen glands, bruises and sprains.

Fruits The fruit is used as a tonic, antiperiodic, purgative, emollient and as an antithelmintic. The dry fruits are bruised in water and employed to treat cutaneous diseases.

Seed & Kernel Oil The kernels yield a greenish yellow to brown, acrid, bitter fixed oil (40.0-48.9%), known as Oil of Margosa. The oil has many therapeutic uses and is covered in Indian Pharmacopia. Medicinal properties of the oil are attributed to the presence of bitter principles and odorous compounds. The bitter principles are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Intrauterine medication of oil controls different types of metritis. The oil is reported to have anti-fertility properties. It posseses anti-fungal and antiseptic activity and is found to be active against both Gram negative and Gram positive micro-organisms. Effect of Neem oil has been evaluated in diabetes as antihyperlycaemic agent. The Neem oil has shown antihyperglycaemic effect in dogs.

Neem As Animal Feed Leaves Neem leaves contain appreciable amount of protein, minerals and carotene and adequate amount of trace minerals except zinc. These may be helpful in alleviating the copper deficiency when feeding straw and dry fodder.

Goat & Camel Goat and Camel relish lopped Neem leaves and quite often these are fed as sole feed to them in winter season when tree is not needed for shed. However, systematic studies are not available on Neem feeding by these animals. Keeping in view these animals have the capability to thrive in hot and dry areas, there is considerable scope of rearing them on Neem leaves.

Cattle And Buffaloes The Neem leaves have appreciable quantity of digestable crude protein (DCP) and total digestable nutrients (TDN). Cattle can be fed twigs and leaves in small quantities when mixed with other feeds.

Poultry Feeds Neem oil can be used in poultry rations. The fatty acid composition of oil indicates that it is a rich source of long chain fatty acids. It contains azadirachtin, meliantriol and salannin. Neem oil can be used in poultry rations.

Seed Cake This can considerably reduce the shortage of protein supplements in high producing animals. Seeds from Neem yield sufficient oil and the residual cake is the major byproduct. Neem cake consists of all essential and non-essential amino acids including sulphur containing amino acids but with negligible quantities of valine and trytophan. The cake contains sulphur 1.07-1.36% which is more than other cakes. The N content varies from 2-3%. The cake has high crude protein, ether extract and fibre contents. Neem seed cake is a very good source of animal protein ( up to 40% ) . The keeping quallity is good and it is not easily spoiled on storage nor is it attacked by fungi. The processed cake can be employed as a good poultry feed. Since the cake is bitter, it acts as a good appetizer. It is also a wormicide.

Neem For Birth Control It is widely recognised that unbridled and non-sustainable growth in human population is one of the most serious problem facing most of the countries. Rising population puts severe strain on the world's natural environment and economical resources. To raise the standard of living of common people in these countries, population control is generally considered as a matter of vital importance. Beside educational constraints, the non-availability of inexpensive methods of contraception, which do not cause trauma, nor violate aesthetic, cultural, and religious sensitivities of people, limit the success of birth may serve as affordable and widely available contraceptives.

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Neem as an inexpensive contraceptive method There are several modern contraceptive methods available, however these are generally inaccessible and financially beyond the reach of the developing countries, including India. People are also apprehensive about these methods because of their harmful side effects. Research has shown that certain Neem ingredients have contraceptive properties. Neem oil acts as a powerful spermicide. It can be used as an external contraceptive by women. In the first century B.C. Charaka, the eminent Indian physician, gave details of the method for using Neem for contraceptive purposes. In traditional used cotton soaked in Neem oil is kept in the vagina for 15 minutes before intercourse. It kills and hampers the speed of sperms. Recent scientific experiments in India have revealed that Neem oil kills spermatozoa within 30 seconds and has proved effective, both in laboratory trials and in practice - where an intravaginal dose of 1 ml of Neem oil was used. Histopathology failed to reveal any side effects.

Freedom from disease! Medical properties of Neem have been known to Indians since time immemorial. The Neem tree brings joy and freedom from various diseases.

Abrasions Epilepsy Obesity Acne Eczema Piles AIDS Fungal Infections Peptic Ulcers

Allergies Fever Prickly Heat Arrhythmia Food Poisoning Parasites

Arthritis Genital Warts Pain Athletes Foot Gingivitis Plague Amenorrhoea Gonorrhea Periodontal Disease

Bed Sores Gout Rashes Birth Control Gastritis Rheumatism

Bleeding Gums Goitre Sore Throat Blood Purifier Gangrene Sprains

Bronchitis Heart Disease Stomach Problems Bruises Hemorrhoids Stress Burns Hepatitis Syphilis

Bad Breath Herpes Scabies Boils & Pimples High Blood Pressure Sinusitis

Environmental service rendered by Neem Neem in Indian culture has been ranked higher than 'Kalpav iksha', the mythological wish-fulfilling tree. In 'Sharh-e-Mufridat Al-Qanoon, Neem has been named as 'Shajar-e- Mubarak', 'the blessed tree', because of its highly beneficial properties. Although scientific studies are wanting, Neem is reputed to purify air and the environment of noxious elements. Its shade not only cools but prevents the occurrence of many diseases. During hot summer months in northern parts of the subcontinent, the temperature under the Neem tree is ~10° C less than the surrounding temperature; 10 air conditioners operated together may not do the job as efficiently and economically as a full grown Neem. Restoration of the health of degraded soils and ultimate use of such reclaimed wastelands lands through Neem is another example of its value to humans. About a decade ago, some 50,000 Neem trees were planted over 10 km2 on the Plains of Arafat to provide shade for Muslim pilgrims during hajj. The Neem plantation has had a marked impact on the area's microclimate, microflora, microfauna, sand soil properties, and when full grown could provide shade to 2 million pilgrims (Ahmed 1995). It is an ancient belief that Neem growing inside the house can keep the surrounding air clean of impurities and thereby control environmental pollution. Also, hanging Neem twigs on the door of a house is said to offer protection against pollution. The tree is not only beautiful to look at, providing grandeur and serenity, but also serves as a refugia to many beneficial organisms, bats, birds, honey bees, spiders, etc. Honeycombs established on the Neem tree are singularly free from the galleria wax moth infestation. Many species of birds and fruit-eating bats subsist on the sweet flesh of ripe fruits, while certain rodents selectively feed on the kernel, confirming Neem's safety to warm-blooded animals. The litter of falling leaves improves soil fertility and the organic content. Presently, little is known about the mycorrhizal associations between Neem and bacterial and fungal endophytes, but the tree seems to be a living microcosm. The evergreen, perennial tree can survive up to from 200 to 300 years, if not cut down. Even a highly conservative estimate of the 'environmental service' rendered by the tree @ USD10.00 per month, would give an astonishing value of USD 24,000 to 36,000

r

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in its life time. Other economic uses of Neem and the benefits derived, such as biomass production, timber, seed and honey are more tangible and quantifiable.

Neem in Reforestation and Agroforestry. Neem is a very valuable forestry species in India and Africa and is also becoming popular in Tropical America, the middle east countries and in Australia. Being a hardy, multipurpose tree, it is ideal for reforestation programs and for rehabilitating degraded, semiarid and arid lands. During a severe drought in Tamil Nadu State in June-July 1987, it was witnessed that Neem grew luxuriantly, while other vegetation dried up. Neem is useful as windbreaks and in areas of low rainfall and high windspeed. In the Majjia Valley in Niger, over 500 km of windbreaks comprised of double rows of Neem trees have been planted to protect millet crops which resulted in a 20% increase in grain yield (Benge 1989). Neem, windbreaks on a smaller scale have also been grown along sisal plantations in coastal Kenya. Large scale planting of Neem has been initiated in the Kwimba Afforestation Scheme in Tanzania. In countries from Somalia to Mauritiania, Neem has been used for halting the spread of the Sahara desert. Also, Neem is a preferred tree along avenues, in markets, and near homesteads because of the shade it provides. However, Neem is best planted in mixed stands. It was probably no coincidence that Emperor Ashoka, the great ruler of ancient India, in the 3rd century BC, commanded that the Neem be planted along the royal highway and roads along with other perennials-tamarind, Tamarindus indica and mahua, Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia. Neem has all the good characters for various social forestry programs. Neem is an excellent tree for silvipastoral system involving production of forage grasses and legumes. But according to some reports (Radwanski and Wickens 1981), Neem cannot be grown among agricultural crops due to its aggressive habit. Others say that Neem can be planted in combination with fruit cultures and crops such as sesame, cotton, hemp, peanuts, beans, sorghum, cassava, etc., particularly when Neem trees are still young. The Neem tree can be lopped to reduce shading and to provide fodder and mulch. Recent advances in tissue culture and biotechnology should make it possible to select Neem phenotypes with desirable height and stature for use in intercropping and various agroforestry systems. The alleloopathic effects of Neem on crops, if any, need to be investigated.

Biomass Production and Utilization Full grown Neem trees yield between 10 to 100 tons of dried biomass/ha, depending on rainfall, site characteristics, spacing, ecotype or genotype. Leaves comprise about 50% of the biomass; fruits and wood constitute one-quarter each. Improved management of Neem stands can yield harvests of about 12.5 cubic meter (40 tons) of high quality solid wood/ha. Neem wood is hard and relatively heavy and religious icons in some parts of India. The wood seasons well, except for end splitting. Being durable and termite resistant, Neem wood is used in making fence posts, poles for house construction, furniture etc. There is growing market in some European countries for light-colored Neem wood for making household furniture (H.Schmutterer, personal communication). Pole wood is especially important in developing countries; the tree's ability to resprout after cutting and to regrow its canopy after pollarding makes it highly suited to pole production (National Research Council 1992). Neem grows fast and is a good source of firewood and fuels; the charcoal has high calorific value.

Neem for Eco-friendly Pest Management Pest control, as practiced today in most developing countries relies mainly on the use of imported pesticides. This dependence has to be reduced. Although pesticides are generally profitable on direct crop returns basis, their use often leads to the contamination of terrestrial and aquatic environments, damage to beneficial insects and wild biota, accidental poisoning of humans and livestock, and the twin problems of pest resistance and resurgence. More than 500 arthropods pest species have become resistant to one or more insecticides. Resistance of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, in India and Pakistan, and of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, in the USA to all available insecticides, and resistance of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, to all classes of insecticides, including Bacillus thuringiensis, in Hawaii, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand, illustrate the complexity of the problem. Shifts in pest status-from minor to major, and resurgence of pests, such as white flies, caused by direct or indirect destruction of pests natural enemies are other unwelcome developments associated with pesticide use. A World Health Organization and United Nations Environmental Programme report (WHO/UNEP 1989) estimated there are 1 million human pesticide poisoning cases each year in the world, with about 20,000 deaths, mostly in developing countries. The problem is rendered even more difficult because few, if any, new compounds are coming to replace old insecticides. The cost of developing and registering new pesticides is staggering almost US$ 60 million, and pesticide manufacturers are unwilling to risk investments on products whose market life could be shortened by development of pest resistance. For ecologically sound, equitable, and ethical pest management, there is a need for control agents that are pest-specific, nontoxic to humans and other biota, biodegradable, less prone to pest resistance and resurgence,

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and relatively less expensive. Among various options, Neem has been identified a source of environmentally "soft" natural pesticides.

Crop Pests Neem has had a long history of use primarily against household and storage pests and to some extent against crop pests in the Indian sub-continent. It was a common practice in rural India to mix dried Neem leaves with grains meant for storage. Mixing of Neem leave (2-5%) with rice, wheat and other grains is even now practiced in some parts of India and Pakistan. Also, as early as 1930, Neem cake was applied to rice and sugarcane fields against stem borers and white ants. Some innovative farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states in India even today "puddle" green twigs and leaves in rice nursery beds to produce robust seedling and simultaneously ward-off attack by early pests-leafhoppers, planthoppers, and whorl maggots. Controlled experiments confirmed that rice seedlings raised from seed treated with Neem kernel extract or cake were vigorous and resistant to rice leafhoppers and planthoppers. Early observations that Neem leaves were not attacked by swarming locusts were also confirmed in laboratory studies and attributed to Neem's anntifeedant activity against locusts.

Pest control potential of Neem The pest control potential of Neem in developing countries, however, remained largely untapped due to the advent of DDT and other and other broad-spectrum synthetic insecticides. Also, wide publicity given to slogans such as "the only good bug is a dead bug" and identifying traditional uses of Neem as backward, gradually influenced people away from using Neem. It is only in the past decade, that the pest control potential of Neem, which does not kill pests but affects their behaviour and physiology, has been recognized. Though subtle, Neem's effects such as repellence, feeding and oviposition deterrence, growth inhibition, mating disruption, chemosterilization etc. are now considered far more desirable than a quick knock-down in integrated pest management programs as they reduce the risk of exposing pests natural enemies to poisoned food or starvation. In spite of high selectivity, Neem derivatives affect ca. 400 to 500 species of insects belonging to Blattodea, Caelifera, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Ensifera, Hetroptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Phasmida, Phthiraptera, Siphonoptera, and Thysanoptera, on species of ostracod, several species of mites and nematodes, and even noxious snails and fungi, including aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus. Results of field trials in some major food crops in tropical countries will illustrate the value of Neem-based pest management for enhancing agricultural productivity in Asia and Africa.

Pest of Stored Products Postharvest losses are notoriously high in developing countries. Worldwide annual losses in store reach up to 10% of all stored grain, i.e. 13 million tons of grain lost due to insects or 100 million tons to failure to store properly. Dr. R.C. Saxena has recently reviewed the potential of Neem against pest of stored products grain legumes, maize, sorghum, wheat rice and paddy, potato tubers. At farm level storage and warehouses, the application of Neem derivatives to bags and stored grains has provided protection against insect pests. Powdered Neem seed kernel mixed with paddy (1 to 2%) significantly reduced infestation and damage to damage to grain during a 3 month storage period; the effectiveness capacity jute bag (100 x 60 cm) controlled 80% of the population of major insects and checked the damage to wheat up to 6 months. The Neem seed extract treatment was as effective as that of 0.0005% primiphos methyl mixed with the grain. Using this technology in Sind, Pakistan, high benefit-cost ratios were obtained by small, medium, and large-scale farmers.

Effectiveness of Neem oil The effectiveness of Neem oil alone or in combination with fumigation was evaluated against five major species of stored grain pests infesting rice and paddy grains in a warehouse trials conducted in the Philippines. Rice grain treated with 0.05 to 0.1% Neem oil or treated with Neem oil after fumigation with 'Phostoxin', and stored for 8 months had significantly less Tribolium castaneum adults than in untreated control. Both kinds of Neem treatments were as effective as the bag treatment with 'Actellic' at 25ug/cm2 or grain treatment with Actellic at 0.0005%, and suppressed the pest population by 60%. The population build-up also was reduced when either fumigated or non-fumigated rice was stored in bags treated with Neem oil at > 1 mg/cm2. Rhizopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae, Oryzaephilus surinmensis, and Corcyra cephalonica were similarly affected by Neem treatments alone or in combination with prior grain fumigation. Fumigation and Phostoxin were effective only for about 2 months against R. dominica, and for up to 6 months against other pest species, while Neem oil treatments were effective up to 8 months. Compared with the pest damage to untreated or fumigated rice, Neem oil treatment significantly reduced the damage to rice grain. At 8 months after storage, weevil attacked grains in Neem treatments were 50% of those in the fumigated rice and 25% of those in the untreated rice. Neem treatments also reduced the pest populations and damage in paddy. In studies conducted in Kenya, the growth and development of 1st instars of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, was completely arrested in maize grain treated with Neem oil at 0.02%, while the weight loss of treated cobs was less than 1% as compared

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with a 50% reduction in weight of untreated cobs stored for 6 months. (Kega and Saxena 1996). While Neem treatments cannot replace completely chemical pesticides used in stored products preservation, the amounts of pesticides needed could be reduced, thereby decreasing the pesticide load in food grains. With proper timing and innovative methods of application, their use could be integrated in stored products management.

Blood-sucking Pests Ascher and Meisner have reviewed the effects of Neem on hematophagous insects affecting humans and livestock. Application of a paste made from Neem leaves and turmeric in 4:1 proportion to the skin cured 97% of the patients suffering from scabies caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabei in 3- 15 d. Monthly sprays of ethanoilic extracts of Neem or weekly bathing in azadirachtin-rich aqueous 1:20 'Green Gold' controlled the bush tick, Ixodes holocylus, and the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus in Australia, but were less effective against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In Jamaica, Neem kernel extract controlled ticks on cattles and dogs. Neem products repel and affect the development of mosquitoes. Two percent Neem oil mixed in coconut oil, when applied to exposed body parts of human volunteers, provided complete protection for 12 h from bites of all anophelines. Kerosene lamps containing 0.01-1% Neem oil, lighted in rooms containing human volunteers, reduced mosquito biting activity as well as catches of mosquitoes resting on walls in the rooms; protection was greater against Anopheles than against Culex. Effectiveness of mats with Neem oil against mosquitoes has also been demonstrated; the vaporizing repelled mosquitoes for 5-7 h at almost negligible cost. The sandfly, Phleobotumus argentipes, also was totally repelled by Neem oil, mixed with coconut or mustard oil, throughout the night under field conditions in India. Application of Neem cake @ 500 kg/ha, either alone or mixed with urea, in paddy fields in southern India reduced the number of pupae of Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the vector of Japanese encephalitis, and also resulted in higher grain yield.

Pest Resistance to Neem Materials A few herbivorous insects, including Homoptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera do survive on Neem but, largely, it is free from serious pest problems. Although Taylor indicated that insects may possibly adapt to limonoid rather quickly, but Vollinger demonstrated that two genetically different starins of P. xylostella treated with a Neem seed extract showed no sign of resistance in feeding and fecundity tests up to 35 generations. In contrast, deltamethrin-treated lines developed resistance factor of 20 in one line and 35 in the other. There was no cross resistance between deltamethrin and Neem seed extract in the deltamethrin-resistant lines. Also, the esterase and multi-function oxidase enzyme activity did not change during the 35 generations. The diversity of Neem allelochemicals and their combined behavioural and physiological effects on insect pests seem to confer a built-in resistance prevention mechanism in Neem. However, wisdom demands that users should refrain from exclusive and extended application of single bioactive materials, such as azadirachtin.

Neem for Fertilizer Management Indian farmers have traditionally used deoiled Neem cake as a fertilizer in their fields. The dual activity of Neem cake as fertilizer and pest repellent, has made it a favoured input.Neem leaves have also been used to enrich the soil. Together, they are widely used in India to fertilize cash crops. When Neem cake is ploughed into the soil it also protects plant roots from nematodes and white ants. Farmers in southern parts of India puddle Neem leaves into flooded rice fields before the rice seedlings are transplanted.

Analysis Of 100 Kg Of Neem Seed Cake Contents Kgs Nitrogen 3.56

Phosphorous 0.83 Potassium 1.67 Calcium 0.77

Magnesium 0.75 Application to the Neem seed cake to crops provides them with various nutrients. Besides the Neem seed cake also reduces the number of soil insect pests, fungi, bacteria and nematodes and protects the crop from damage caused by these organisms. Neem seed cake can also reduce alkalinity in the soil by producing organic acids when mixed with the soil. The calcium and magnesium present in Neem cake also aid in removing alkalinity. For cash crops such as tumeric, sugarcane, banana and cardamom, 200 kg per hectare of Neem cake is applied. For black pepper and betelvine 250 g per plant is applied. Neem cake is also extensively used for citrus trees, jasmine, roses and vegetable crops as an organic manure.

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Neem for Soil Fertility & Fertilizer Management. Good soil fertility means good crop yields. Preventing the loss of plant nutrients from an ecosystem is important for soil-fertility management. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N,P,K) are the three major elements which determine soil fertility and should be ideally present in 4:2:1 ratio; aberrations affect fertility and therefore crop yield. Urea, containing 46% of N, is applied to crops in the largest amounts; but less than half of this N, in the form of nitrate, is available to the crops. The rest is lost through 'leaching' or by 'volatilization', or by surface run-off after a heavy shower, (Prasad and Power 1995). Leaching of soluble nitrates into the subsoil and, eventually into ground water, is well known. Nitrate losses of 50 to 70% through leaching were observed in rice crops in India. Leaching not only depletes precious nitrate but also takes away clay, soil, and organic matter, leading to low chemical soil fertility and low plant-available water reserves. Ammonia volatilization also can contribute to a nearly 60% nitrate loss. Loss through volatilization occurs when the denitrifying bacteria reduce the nitrate to elemental nitrogen and nitrous oxide which escape to the stratosphere and cause ozone depletion and also contribute to greenhouse warming. On the other hand, nitrate build-up in drinking water can reduce the blood's ability to transport oxygen, especially if the nitrates are converted into nitrites (blue-baby syndrome). Even ruminants are vulnerable to nitrate or nitrite poisoning, leading to poor growth rates, reduced milk production, and increased susceptibility to infections, and even abortions. One way to minimise nitrate loss is to apply the urea more than once in smaller quantities or, alternatively, to use a slow-release urea which makes the urea available in the soil for a longer time. Bains et al. (1971) in field trials in India found that an accetone extract of Neem kernel was an excellent nitrification inhibitor, even better than sulfur-coated urea. Ammonia volatilization, urea hydrolysis, and leaching, were all reduced when urea was blended or coated with Neem cake. Results from several field experiments show that Neem cake coating of prilled urea increased nitrogen uptake by 4.5 to 19.4%. The increase in rice yield due to Neem cake coating/blending of prilled urea ranged from 1 to 54%, the average being 9.6%. Neem cake coated urea applied to rice or sugarcane also left a carryover effect and increased sugarcane yield by 7% in the ratoon sugarcane crop . Neem-based urea-coating agents, such as 'Nimin' (containing ca. 5% Neem bitter tetranortriterpenoids) are now commercially available in India. Application of Nimin-coated urea (1 part Nimin: 100 parts urea, wt/wt) reduced losses of fertiliser N through leaching and denitrification by 30-35% and increased yields in treated crops by up to 25% (Vyas et al. 1996). The bitters in Nimin delay the denitrification process up to 30 d by either killing nitrifying bacteria or suppressing their activity. Coating urea with Nimin could bring a saving of up to 20% of urea. The technology is becoming popular with farmers in India where annual Nimin sales are now ca. 700 metric tons.

Neem for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Conservation In the past two decades, "green revolution technologies" have more than doubled the yield potential of rice and wheat, especially in Asia. These high-input production systems requiring massive quantities of fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation, and machines, however, disregard the ecological integrity of land, forests, and water resources, endanger the flora and fauna, and cannot be sustained over generations. Also, we cannot look to the sea in future as fishing stocks in many parts of the world are already in crisis due to overfishing or pollution. To a great extent, future food security and economic independence of developing countries would depend on improving the productivity of biophysical resources through the application of sustainable production methods, by improving tolerance of crops to adverse environmental conditions, and by reducing crop and postharvest losses caused by pests and diseases.

Environmentally Friendly Agricultural Technologies Appropriate technologies, which do not assault the nature, would have key roles to play in ensuring food security, in improving human health, and in rehabilitating and conserving the environment to safeguard the well being of the posterity. Instead of striving for more "green revolutions" with emphasis on miracle seeds, hard-hitting, synthetic and engineered pesticides, and increased use of fertilisers, the future must look to natural ways and processes for augmenting agricultural productivity. In fact, all development efforts and activities should be within well defined ecological rules rather than within narrow economic gains. Sustainable agricultural systems must be ecologically sound for long-term food sufficiency, equitable in providing social justice, and ethical in respecting both future generations and other species. For developing countries, the use off the Neem tree may provide a key component in more sustainable agricultural system including pest and nutrient management, human health, and environmental conservation

Organic Farming and Neem The Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica A. juss) and its derivatives have great relevance in organic farming practices. This remarkable tree has been identified as a renewable resource for home grown agro-chemicals and nutrients which are bio - degradable, non-toxic and effective. Long before synthetic chemicals and commercial insecticides and fertilizers were available, Neem derivatives were used in Indian villages to protect and nourish crops. Scientific research has shown that Neem extracts can influence nearly 400 species of insects. It is significant that some of these pests are resistant to pesticides, or are inherently

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difficult to control with conventional pesticides (floral thrips, diamond back moth and several leaf miners). Most Neem products belong to the category of medium to broad spectrum pesticides, i.e., they are effective over a wide range of pests. Using Neem derivatives for managing pests is a non-violent approach to controlling pests. Neem products work by intervening at several stages of the insect's life. They may not kill the pest instantaneously but incapacitate it in several ways. Neem very subtly employs effects such as repellence, feeding and ovipositional deterrence, growth inhibition, mating disruption, chemo-sterilization, etc. These are now considered far more desirable than a quick knock-down in integrated pest management programs as they reduce the risk of exposing pests' natural enemies to poisoned food or starvation. The action of Neem products fulfills all priorities among environmental objectives. This unique tree is perhaps the most significant example of how nature can combine diverse functions i.e., the action of de-oiled Neem cake as a pesticide cum fertiliser.

Chemistry of Neem for Organic Farming Neem plants, as do all other plants, contain several thousands of chemicals. Of special interest are terpenoids that are unique to Neem and some related members of this family. More than a hundred terpenoids are known from different parts of the Neem plant. Of its biological constituents, the most active and well studied compound is Azadirachtin. However in most traditional preparations of Neem as pesticide or medicine, a mixture of Neem chemicals are present and provide the active principles. Several different kinds of azadirachtin (A-K) have been isolated, the most abundant of which is Azadirachtin-A. The Neem terpenoids are present in almost all parts of the plant, in the living tissues. Recently, the site of synthesis and accumulation of Neem chemicals has been identified as secretory cells. Secretory cells are most abundant in the seed kernels.

For Protecting Crops Neem is quite effective against army worm, one of the most devastating pests of food crops in the western hemisphere. Azadirachtin in extremely low concentrations - a mere 10 mg per hectare - inhibits the pests. Neem extract is useful against leaf - miner, a serious pest in parts of North America. Neem seed extract works as well as available commercial synthetic pesticides. It has been approved by the US environmental protection agency for use on Leaf Miners. Neem is extremely useful as an anti-feedant and ovi-positional repellent for protection of crops like tobacco, groundnut, cotton and sweet potato from the damages caused by tobacco caterpillar or tobacco cutworm, a serious polyphagous pest of several crops in India. Experiments have shown that Neem is also effective against fruit flies. Med fly, one of the most damaging horticulture pests, can be controlled by spraying Neem solution under fruit trees. Neem has an advantage over the currently used pesticides. Whereas conventional pesticides kill fruit flies as well as thrips, internal parasites, Neem products on the other hand leave the biological-control organisms unaffected; they only kill fruit flies. This reduces, in fact, eliminates adverse, unintended effects. De-oiled Neem cake (the residual remaining after the oil has been pressed out of the seeds) and Neem oil are quite effective against rice pests. Five applications of a 25% oil emulsion sprayed with an ultra low-volume applicator can protect rice crops against brown plant hoppers. Neem products greatly reduce the tungo virus transmission efficiency of green leaf hopper in rice.

For Protecting Stored Crops One of the traditional uses of Neem in Asia has been for controlling pests of stored products. Farmers usually mix Neem leaves with grain before keeping it in storage for several months. Neem leaves, oil or extracts act as repellent against several insects such as weevils, flour beetles, bean-seed beetles and potato moths. Treatment of jute sack by Neem oil or azadirachtin-rich-products prevents the penetration of pests like weevils and flour beetles. Neem oil destroys bean-seed beetles (bruchids) - a variety of insects mostly attacking legumes - at the egg-stage itself. A mixture of Neem leaves and clay and dung develops pest resistant property so it can be used to make bins for storage of grain.

Preperation of Neem products for Organic Farming Neem is attracting world wide attention in recent decades mainly due to its bioactive ingredients that find increasing use in modern crop and grain protection. Described here are some easy methods by which the Neem extracts can be prepared by the farmer himself:

Neem Kernel extract 50 g of Neem kernel is required for use in 1 litre of water. The Neem kernel is pounded gently. It should be pounded in such a way that no oil comes out. The outer coat is removed before pounding, this is used as a manure. If pounded with seed coat 1 ½ times (75g) seeds is required. The seeds that are used for preparation of Neem kernel extract should be at least 3 months old and should not be used after 8-10 months. Before 3 months or after 8 months, the azadirachtin quantity is quite low in the seed and hence it cannot efficiently be used for pest control. The pounded Neem kernel powder is gathered in a muslin pouch and this is soaked overnight in the water. The pouch is squeezed and the extract is filtered. To the filtrate, an emulsifier like teepol, sandovit, soap oil or soap cake powder is added. One ml of emulsifier is added to one litre of water. The emulsifier helps the extract to stick well to the leaf surface.

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Neem Leaf extract For 5 litres of water, 1 kg of green Neem leaf is required. Since the quantity of leaves required for preparation of this extract is quite high (nearly 80 kg are required for 1 hectare) this can be used for nursery and kitchen gardens. The leaves are soaked overnight in water. The next day the leaves are grounds and the extract is filtered. The extract is beneficial against leaf eating caterpillars, grubs, locusts and grasshoppers. To the extract, emulsifier is added as mentioned in kernel extract.

Neem Cake extract 100 gms of Neem cake is required for 1 litre of water. The Neem cake is put in a muslin pouch and soaked in water. It is soaked overnight before use in the morning. It is then filtered and emulsifier is added -1-ml for 1-litre of water. It can then be used for spraying.

Neem Oil Spray 30 ml Neem oil is added to 1 litre of water and stirred well. To this emulsifier is added (1ml/1litre). It is very essential to add the emulsifier and mix properly. This should be used immediately before the oil droplets start floating. A knapsack sprayer is better for Neem oil spraying in preference to a hand sprayer. Spraying should be undertaken in the morning or late in the evening. During hot conditions the frequency of spraying should be more. In winter spraying once in 10 days and in rainy season, every day spraying is recommended. Insects lay eggs on the underside of the leaves. Hence it is important to spray on the underside of the leaves as well. While using a powder sprayer reduce the quantity of spraying to half. It is better to use low concentration of extracts frequently. Each acre of land can be sprayed with 60 litres of ready to use solution.

Economic Potential of Neem There is a global trend now towards the use of alternative, ecologically beneficial agricultural and health agents. Neem's potential in solving global agricultural, public health, populational and environmental pollution problems is quite understood today. It calls for building awareness of its potential and dissemination of Neembased technology whether for pest management, public health, family welfare programs reforestation, or production and commercialization of various Neem products for domestic use or exports. As a result, demand for Neem products, especially the seed as the basic raw material, is going to increase by leaps and bounds. Herein also lies a solution for creating income generation and job opportunities. Neem-based human fertility agents are almost on the anvil for stemming the tide of population explosion in developing Asian and African countries. A Neem tree normally starts fruiting after 3-5 years. In about 10 years it becomes fully productive. Under favourable conditions, fresh fruit yield per grown tree is about 50 Kg per year. Therefore, an increased commercial plantations and agroforestry involving Neem can enhance the economical potential of this tree with positive and large externalities for pesticides, fertilizers, live stocks, dairying and other value-added products. Neem production is presently neither attractive nor very remunerative. The major reasons for lack of interest by farmers are poor yield, deterioration of seeds, lack of proper information and inadequate marketing facilities. Neem Foundation is already playing a very active and productive role in this area. Our main objective is to provide a global comprehensive resource centre.

Potential commercial opportunities of Neem products Indian farmers and medical practitioners have been using Neem's products for various purposes for centuries. Until very recently, the western world did not show any interest in the Neem tree and its properties.However given the popularity of herbs and herb-based products and a reaction against harmful chemicals, in the last few years, western company's interest in manufacturing Neem based products has grown phenominally. Growing opposition to synthetic pesticides in the west has led to this sudden enthusiasm for the pharmaceutical properties of Neem. This is perhaps the most important commercial opportunities envisaged today around the world. Since conventional pesticides are primarily synthetic in nature, possessing quick knockdown and the inherent toxicity of the molecules to mammals and non-target organisms are not of primary importance. With increasingly stringent governmental regulations, worker safety issues and increased data requirements for registration purposes, the availability of newer pesticides has drastically decreased. This bio-activity of Neem based products has been extensively evaluated and proven. Because of the fear of toxic residues in food products associated with the use of chemical pesticides, there is a growing importance of plant origin which do not leave any residues. Though many plant chemicals have been reported to be suitable for this, Neem is the only plant from which the bio-pesticides are commercially manufactured, found effective, friendly and acceptable to the farmers. Neem pesticides are now increasingly used in India on crops like cotton, vegetables, fruit trees, coffee, tea, rice and pigeon pea.

Commercial uses of Neem Almost every part of the Neem tree viz. roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, trunks and branches has multiple uses. Neem is not only an excellent source of pesticides, it also provides good fodder, fuel and timber. This makes Neem tree a very potentially profitable.

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Timber The sapwood of Neem tree is grayish white, while the heartwood is reddish brown. The wood is aromatic; it is not very lustrous though but is easily sawn. It seasons well when sawn still wet. It can be worked both by hand and by machines, but it does not take polish well. Neem timber is durable even in extended exposed conditions. In addition, it is resistant to termites and woodwarms. Neem wood has long been used as firewood and charcoal made from Neem wood is of excellent quality.

Bark Neem bark contains tannins which are used in tanning, dyeing etc. Compounds extracted from Neem bark are used in production of some dental-care products like toothpaste etc.

Seed Neem seed pulp is useful for methane gas production. It is also useful as carbohydrate which is rich base for other industrial fermentations.

Leaves Neem leaves possess excellent medicinal properties. In addition to it's usefulness in Pest management and Disease control they can also be fed to livestock when mixed with other fodder. Neem leaves are used in some parts of Indian as fertilizer in rice fields, especially in the south Indian states. In some countries, Neem leaves are used as mulch in tobacco and tomato fields. They can be very effectively used to kill weeds by spreading them over plant roots to retain moisture. Neem leaves can also be used to protect stored woolen and silk clothes from insects.

Neem Cake Neem cake is versatile and has many uses. It can be used as livestock feed, fertilizer and natural pesticide. It not only provides organic nitrogen but also inhibits the nitrification process, when mixed with urea, before applying in the fields. Such use of the Neem coated urea in 90:10 proportion can save upto 30% of the total chemical nitrogen requirement of the crops which otherwise would go waste. This results in cost reductions of agricultural production. Neem cake is widely used in India as fertilizer for sugarcane, vegetable and other cash crops. Neem cake also acts as natural pesticide when added to soil, which protects plant roots from soil-insects and nematodes.

Neem Oil The most common use of Neem oil is for soap production for economical reasons. This is infact the gross misuse of the precious agent which otherwise has several compounds proven for medicinal and agricultural uses of high importance and value. On the other hand, if properly used for soap production to harness it's general hygiene properties, the resulted product is infact proved to be of great health use. Such medicated soaps with Neem odour are proved to have very effective anti-germ properties. Neem is also becoming a popular beauty aid. Few companies are using Neem oil and leaves for producton of cosmetics like facial creams, nail polishs, nail oils, shampoos and conditioners etc. Neem oil is also a very effective mosquito repellent.

Neem in Pharmaceuticals and Toiletries Neem fruits, seed oil, leaves, bark and roots have varied uses such as general antiseptics, antimicrobials, treatment of urinary disorders, diarrhoea, fever bronchitis, skin infections, septic sores infected burns, hypertension, and inflammatory diseases. Neem leaf extracts and teas are reputed to treat malaria, the antimalarial action is attributed to gedunin, a limonoid. Neem tablets, containing a Neem leaf decoction, recommended and are available in India for cases of diabetes mellitus of adults, nonketonic diabetes, and for cases of insulin fast or insulin sensitivity. By far the largest outlet for Neem oil in India (one-fourth of ~ 83,000 tons annually) is the soap industry which market about a dozen different brands of bathing and laundry soaps. Neem oil also is used in the manufacture of dog soaps and shampoo that control that control, ticks, fleas, and lice. In Germany, it is used in herbal hair oil, hair tonic, and nail oil. A newly founded U.S. company is marketing a variety of toiletries based on Neem oil and extracts. Neem twigs are used daily by millions in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan as disposable toothbrushes. Neem toothpastes and powders are reputed as effective dentrifice products. Extracts of Neem bark are used in some toothpastes and mouth washes singly or in combination with other herbal extracts. The inhibiting effect of aqueous Neem extract upon bacterial properties influencing plaque formation has recently been confirmed (Wolinsky et al. 1996). Other medicinal and veterinary uses of Neem are emerging with better bioassays and modern protociols. Neem compounds and extracts may prove to be a rich cornucopia of many novel therapies. Cattle leaf supplements containing Neem leaf powder are worm killers. Creams containing Neem oil are used for animal wound addressing and also act as fly and mosquito repellents. In Kenya, rural farming households have found in Neem an inexpensive way to protect the native chicken from the dreaded New Castle virus disease. Neem seed

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powder or cake mixed in water and provided for drinking or chicken forced fed with Neem cake during epidemic survived, while other died.

Recent Indian Patents on Neem Currently Neem is seen to have vast business potential. While commercial viability of Neem is not a totally new story as a lot of toothpastes, soaps, shampoos and cosmetics have used active principles and extracts of Neem for years in India. What is new is that modern packaging technique and technology is being incorporated for into product development sophisticated markets. The tremendous international interest in Neem can be gauged by the number of patents filed on the various properties, active principles and their extraction and stabilizing processes in US and Japan. Over 30 patents have already been granted, and this seems to have whipped a north-south confrontation. The issue at the core of the a worldwide debate appears to be who controls genetic resources - traditional cultures or transnational corporations? While this debate seems set to continue for sometime the Neem tree seems determined to carry on its good work.

Recent Indian Patents On Neem: • Patent App.No - Date (completed Sp. No) Patent Title, Inventor • 70/Bom/91 - 13.3.91 (171888) - A process for treating (Upgrading) Neem Oil Hindustan Lever Ltd. Bombay, India • 668/Mas/93 - 23.9.93 - A combination of hydroponicum and a spray to improve the survival of tissue cultured plants with

specific references to Neem - Dalmia Cantre for Biotechnology • 757/Del/93 - 20.7.93 Preparation of edible Neem oil - Rohm and Haas Co. • 758/Del/93 - 20.7.93 Stable extract from Neem oil - Rohm and Hass Co. • 759/Del/93- 20-7-93 Preparation of Neem seed extract - Rohm and haas Co. • 1270,1271,1272 & 1273/Del/93 - 12-11-93 A process for preparation of a spermicidal agent from Neem oil or extractives

- National Research Development Corporation. • 7/Mas/94 - 7-1-94 A method for preparing ayurvedic antivirus compound comprising three oils mainly Neem seed oil -

Girivas Vishwanath Seth. • 9/Mas/94 - 10-1-94 Nimbecidine - Vegetable oil including Neem oil, enriched with azadirachtin and the same extracted

from Neem seed and other parts of Neem. T. Stanes and Company Ltd. • 1397/Del/93 - 9.12.93 A method for producing azadirachtin - Rohm and Haas Co.

About the Neem Foundation In Feb 1993, a few eminent scientists, conservationists, environmentalists and philanthropists -- all ardent believers in Neem -- got together to form the 'Neem Foundation'. Objective was to chalk out a master plan for better understanding and effective utilization of the Neem Tree for global good. As the apex body for all Neem movements worldwide, it is in the the forefront of all Neem-related activities globally The Foundation believes that the Neem tree provides an excellent example of traditional knowledge leading to scientific utilization for global good. By concurrently responding to the interest of farming, forestry and industry, the Neem tree offers a tremendous untapped business potential in times to come. The Neem Foundation is primarily a forum for unifying global efforts to promote the Neem tree.

International Consultative Committee • Prof. Dr. H. Schmutterer, Germany • Dr. E. David Morgan, UK • Prof. Murray Isman, Canada • Prof. Dr. W. Kraus, Germany • Dr. H. M. Behl, India • Dr. A. K. Raheja, India • Dr. Andrew Van Der Esch, Italy • Mr. Serafin Tella, Mexico The Foundation has set up an International Consultative Committee to give proper direction to the Foundation's objectives. Several eminent experts and environmentalists have already joined hands and few more are still being invited to associate. In order to help Neem achieve its true potential as renewable source of eco-friendly pest-control system and non-toxic medicine - attention has to be paid to collection, propagation, research and development. A concentrated effort by a single dedicated entity like the Neem Foundation can help co-ordinate and accelerate this process. The Foundation's efforts on the advice of its Consultative Committee will be to facilitate coordination between scientists, academicians, regulating authorities and the Neem

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industry worldwide. Inspite of widespread research and proof of its established virtue, a lot of crucial work still need to be done to develop appropriate technologies, disseminate correct information and set standards for future use. In addition, the Foundation hopes to work towards documenting and reviving ecologically sound traditional practices to bring the Neem and it's products back into every day life. This can go a long way to benefit rural societies in developing countries. The setting up of a model Neem Plantation by the Foundation will be a step in this direction. Neem Foundation regularly holds workshops, conferences, seminars & meets. The foundation is supported by members and industry worldwide.

Neem Foundation's Action Committee Dr. Ramesh Saxena, Senior principal scientist, is the head of the Integrated Pest Management Section at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya. He received his M.S. in tropical entomology from the University of Hawaii in 1966 and hid Ph D in Host Plant resistance to insect pests from Delhi University in 1973. In 1975, he joined the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) as a post doctoral fellow in entomology. In 1977, he joined the ICIPE-IRRI on major rice pests as an entomologist. From 1987 to July 1991, he served as entomologist in IRRI's Genetic Evaluation and Utilization Program. His major contributions include evelopments of methodologies for efficient insect rearing and screening of rice germplasm, including wild rices, biochemical and plant insect interactions, role of rice plant biotypes, and biointensive pest management. He conceptualized the relevance of botanical pest control for resource-limited farmers and demonstrated the potential of Neem and other onedible oil trees for ecologically sound pest management. He developed a simple process for extracting Neem seed bitters for pest control. He has been invited to speak at more than 40 international conferences and has published more than 200 scientific and professional articles. He was president of the Philippines Association of Entomologists in 1987-88 and won several awards in the Philippines. His research work has been featured in international press releases and TV documentaries : "Coast to Coast" (Philippines), "Beyond 2000" (Australia), "State of the Earth" and "Discovery" (USA) and "Krishi Darshan" (India). Dr Sexena is the Chairman of the Neem Foundation and is based in Kenya. Ms. Pramila Thakkar is a Founder Trustee of the Neem Foundation; she has been actively associated with social issues like the environment and education for the last several years and is currently Managing Trustee and Hon. Editor of the Global Neem Update, the quaterly newsletter of the Neem Foundation. Qualifications: • Graduated from Bombay University in 1974 • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Human Psychology • Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Rajendra Prasad Institute of Communaication, Chowpatty, Bombay She is an avid conservationist and is a leading proponent of the Neem tree. In her pursuit of environmental issues, she travels extensively around the world. Her work has taken her to countries as far flung as Kenya, Australia, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Egypt, Belguim, Italy, Thailand, The United States and most of Europe where she has made a case for reversing environmental degradation through afforestation and other natural solutions. As a participant at the 'World Neem Conference', Bangalore in February 1993, she was instumental in urging action for the urgent need to expedite registration procedures for bio-pesticides. She has been repeatedly invited as a resource speaker at FINIDA and UNEP programs in Africa. Ms. Thakkar was one of the four expers invited from India to attend the International Symposium On Toxicity, Safety And Proper Use Of Biopesticides held in Phitsonlouk, Thailand in October 1996. She has presented papers at the World Neem Conferences in Australia in February 1996 and Canada in 1999. Ms. Thakkar is on the Governing Body of the Ecological Resources Research Cemtre - Thiruvananthapuram. She lives in Bombay and is also the Hon. Secretary of the Neem Foundation. Mr. Shersingh Bhandari is a stalwart of the printing industry in India with which he has been associated for the last 50 years. He is well-known philanthropist and is the Chief Trustee and Chairman of the Bhandari Charitable trust and the IEMCO Charitable trust which have been rendering valuable assistance to all sections of the society. In addition, Mr. Bhandari is also a Founder Member of the All-India Graphic Machinery Manufacturers and Dealers Association. He was also a Member of the Development Council for the Printing Industry, appointed by the Government of India. Mr. Bhandari is the Vice-Chairman of the Neem Foundation and actively devotes time and effort to the cause of Neem. Mr Sitaram Churiwala is a founder trustee of the Neem Foundation and is and actively promots the usage of Neem for public health. Mr. Churiwala is a dedicated Rotarian and is Director, Environment of the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport. He has also been associated with the rehablitation programme providing Jaipur foots to the needy underr the auspices of the Rotary Club. In addition, Mr.Churiwala is an active environmentalist and is associated with several social causes. Padmashree Vaidya (Dr.) Suresh Chaturvedi; Dr Chaturvedi is one of the foremost practitioners of Ayurveda in the world. He is the receipient of one of India's highest civilian awards, the PADMASHREE, he is the Honorary Physician to the Governor of

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Maharashtra and one of the senior most physicians at the Bombay Hospital. He has authored several books on Ayurveda including 'Neem in Ayurveda'. Vaidya Chaturvedi is the Chairman of the Neem Foundation's Health Committee.

About the Neem Foundation Some of the major events organised by the Foundation over the years: ●

• November 1994 - An overview of the Neem movement. • January 1995- Seminar on ' Neem : Opportunities in the 21st century' • January 1996- 'National seminar on Neem' - New Delhi - along with the ministry of Environment and Forests • March 1996 - Annual Festival of the Neem Tree celebrated for the first time. • August 1996 - Two Business Meets on 'Neem, Bridging The Innovation Gap' in cooperation with NBRI, Lucknow. Workshop

on Neem Plantation - 'Neem's The Theme' • August 1996-Symposium 'Neem: It's Potential For The Future' along with Solvent Extractors Association. • December 1996 - The Neem Foundation organised 'World of Neem' at UDCT, Bombay, a three day event which was the first

ever buyer-seller opportunity in Neem. • December 1996 - A two day international conference 'Neem: Setting Goals for a Global Vision' was organised ialso held on

the occasion. • March 1997 - Annual Festival of the Neem Tree with former sheriff of Bombay Mr. M. I. Patel as Chief Guest. • April 1997 - "Development and Economic Role of Neem in India" • January 1998 - Launch of a seven year programme "Greening India with Neem". • March 1998 - Annual Festival of Neem for Health & Environment held at Mahim Nature Park. • April 1998 - Workshop on Development & Ecological Role of Neem – A Meeting with the Hon. Union Minister of State for

Agriculture., Shri. Som Pal in New Delhi. • September 1998 - 'Neem: Setting Priorities'. A Meeting with Hon. Minister for Environment & Forests, Govt. of India, Shri.

Suresh Prabhu. • January 1999 - 'Setting Priorities for Neem in Forestry'. A Meeting with Chief Conservators of Forests of 12 states in India. • March 1999 - Festival of the Neem Tree celebrated in Mumbai with the Swiss Consul General Mr. Max Heller as Chief Guest. • May 1999 - The Third World Neem Conference held in Vancouver, Canada under the aegis of the Neem Foundation. • July 1999 - Inaugural Meeting of National Network for Integrated Development of Neem, hosted by the Neem Foundation in

Mumbai. • April 2000 - Neem Day Celebrated at the Kalapradarshani Udyan with a 'Festival of the Neem Tree' Chief Guest on the

occassion was Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Chaggan Bhujbal.

Current Projects National Network for Integrated Development Of Neem After several representations by the Neem Foundation, the Govt.of India was finally convinced to constitute a national network for the integrated development of Neem in 1999. The highlights of this network's programs are: • cataloguing of all eco-types/collections of Neem from the country • compiling a complete database on Neem • undertaking R&D for tree improvement • organising workshops and training programs for effective dissemination. • Setting up of Neem nurseries throughout India. The Foundation is working with nine of the country's premier institutes on this program. They are:

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• National Botanical research institute (NBRI) • Forest research Institute (FRI) • Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI) • Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) • Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI) • Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) • National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) • Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) • Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI)

UN bodies fund a new program on Neem: Funded by the Government of India, UNDP a project titled "Technical Support for Development and Production of Neem Products as Environment Friendly Pesticides" is to be set up by the Neem Foundation in Nagpur, Maharashtra under the guidance of UNIDO. It aims to be the World's first and finest model for developing and utilising a gamut of Neem technologies for sustainable human development.

World Neem Conference 2002 The third World Neem Conference was held under the aegis of the Neem Foundation in Vancouver, Canada in May, 1999. It was unanimously decided that the Foundation would host the fourth World Neem Conference in India, in the year 2002.

"Greening India with Neem" Given the growing concern about deterioration in environment conditions and the urge of citizens to participate positively in helping to stem the tide of pollution, the Neem Foundation has drawn up a programme for planting 80 million Neem trees in the country by the year 2005. This programme is being implemented with the widest public participation and co-operation of government agencies, semigovernment organizations, NGO's and other like-minded organizations.

Protecting The Taj Mahal The Foundation has put forth a proposal to the Agra civic authorities to protect the Taj Mahal from the effects of urban pollution. It is proposed to have a thick biological shield around the monument and its environs.The proposed shield will consist of a mixed population of hardy, multipurpose tree species including Neem that can not only withstand pollution but also facilitate its abatement, absorb pollutants and provide a sink for harmful emissions. The proposal is held up due to a lack of funding.

A Centre for Environment The Bombay Municipal Corporation handed over a public green space to the Foundation in October 1999 to promote environmental activities.The "Kalapradarshani Udyan" is a three-acre garden developed and maintained by the Foundation. The lush green environment provides an earth-friendly, outdoor venue for meetings, workshops and events organised by the Neem Foundation.It was formally inaugurated as a centre for environment, culture and arts by the Deputy Mayor of Bombay Dr. Ram Barot on 25th March 2000.

Copyright ©1997 by Neem Foundation (R). All rights reserved.

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