The Neem Tree-
still Unknown…!
The Indian people are very familiar with the properties of Neem Tree
from many centuries. Scientists have remarked and proved that the Neem is rare
plant with so many potentiality and qualities, to solve many problems like-insecticide,
soil conservation, destruction of forest, air pollution and even birth control.
All the five parts of the
Neem-roots, bark, gums, leaves, and oil from its seeds are antiviral anti
bacterial, fungicidal and antibiotics. Neem remains almost green through all
seasons and it can solve many environmental problems like rehabilitation of degraded
forest, wasteland development, and replacement of toxic insecticides.
It’s very easy to raise Neem
plantations as its leaves are acrid and not palatable to the animals. It needs
no irrigation rather it’s drought resistant. It can be raised in desert for
soil conservation. The nursery technique of raising Neem seedlings and
plantations are very easy and at cheap cost. The seed of Neem can be sown in
the pits directly be dibbling method thus, saving the cost of Nursery rising.
The plantation could be done in fully rainy season.
Many experiments on this plant
have proved that insecticides of Neem tree are as standard as D.D.T. Malathion
and Dieldrin and without any adverse effects. So, it can be used as good
pesticide and insecticide. The chemical pesticide and insecticide have had
worse toxic effect on our environment. In India , some farmers are still using
those insecticides, pesticides and weedicides in their Agriculture and
horticulture. Which ultimately go and mix with soil water that’s hazardous for
health. The water consumed for drinking has become toxic with use of these
chemicals.
Noticing these effects many
advanced countries have banned their use and now using soft insecticides
instead. The insecticides made of Neem are soft insecticide and free from any
pollution. The pesticide prepared from Neem kills many pests and doesn't harm
the pollinators or predators. Neem based insecticides are Non-toxic, harmless
and no residual effects, anyway. The Neem leaves, bark and oil are very
effective in curing any type of wound. The farmers in India have been
using Neem leaves, mixing them with their corn to store for centuries. The
products of Neem are used as contraceptive and manufacturing soaps and other
medicines. The cakes made from Neem’s oil are used as good organic manure,
which kills many insects like white ants.
In Many parts of India people
use its twigs as toothbrush, which keeps teeth disease free. When there was no
medicine for small pox Neem leaf was the best treatment for it.
-Satish KRT
