TANISSHA INC

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

Neem is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India, Burma, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan, growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. For thousands of years the beneficial properties of Neem have been recognized in the Indian tradition. Neem is one of the most valuable evergreen multipurpose tree species. The tree is highly efficient in restoring soil productivity and improving the ecology of the area. Almost all parts of the tree have several uses. It is also used in production of fuel wood by pruning, in local pharmacopoeia and regarded as a good fodder tree. It is a fast growing and sturdy tree which can be established without irrigation in hot and dry regions with low annual rainfall of 500mm or less. The extensive root system of Neem tree with its unique physiological capacity helps to extract nutrients from highly leached sandy soil. In rural area villagers take bath in water heated with Neem leaves as a preventive against hear rash and boils and drink Neem water as a cure for skin diseases. Neem oil is used against stomach ulcers, worn infection and rheumatism. It is a general practice to store grains. So, Neem tree has gained global recognition for its medicinal, pesticidal and industrial products.

History of Neem Neem tree has been used for more than 4,500 years in the Indian sub- continent. The Indian physicians Charaka (2nd century AD) and Susruta (4th century AD), whose books provided the foundation of the Indian system of natural treatment, the Ayurveda, also mention the tree and its medical use. In Ayurveda the neem tree was called the "Sarva Roga Nivarini" (one that could cure all ailments and ills). At the beginning of this century the neem tree was still highly esteemed by Indian emigrants and they took it along to the places where they settled. Thus, the neem tree was introduced in places like Australia, East and sub-Sahelian Africa, South East Asia, and South America. Pioneering work in the possible commercial use of Neem oil and cake had been done by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore as early as the 1920s. In the last two decades research on Neem has been intensified and many of the tree’s agricultural and medical properties were rediscovered. Today, Neem plays a major role in the rural industry of India and projects for the commercial use of Neem have been successfully introduced in other countries.  Distribution and Occurrence Neem is widely distributed in several parts of the world. It is native to the Indian sub continent and south East Asian countries, where it has been traditionally used for centuries. The species adoption to hot and dry climates has made it one of the most commonly planted spices in arid and semi arid area including its natural range and out side from Africa, Latin America and Caribbean. In Africa, Neem is mainly planted as shade tree and in windbreaks it is used in production of fuel wood by pruning and use in local pharmacopoeia. It is grown from the southern tip of Kerala to the Himalayan hills in the tropical to sub tropical and semi arid to wet tropical regions and from the sea level to about 700 m elevation. It has been widely cultivated in India and African countries. In India, it occurs throughout the larger parts of the country in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.The tree is mostly evergreen except in dry localities where it becomes almost leafless for a short period during February-March and the new leaf appears immediately. Flowering spread over January-March in the southern parts of the country and later towards the north. Climate : Neem has adapted to a wide range of climates. It thrives well in hot weather, where the maximum shade temperature is as high as 49°C and tolerates cold up to 0°C on altitudes up to 1500 meters. Today, Neem is well established plant in at least 30 countries of Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Some small scale plantations are also reportedly successful in the United States of America. Soil : It grows on almost all types of soils including clay, saline and alkaline soils, with pH up to 8.5, but does well on black cotton soil and deep, well-drained soil with good sub-soil water. Unlike most other multipurpose tree species, it thrives well on dry, stony, shallow soils and even on soils having hard calcareous or clay pan, at a shallow depth. The tree improves the soil fertility and water-holding capacity as it has a unique property of calcium mining, which changes the acidic soils into neutral. Requirement of Water : Neem tree needs little water and plenty of sunlight. The tree grows naturally in areas where the rainfall is in the range of 450 to 1200 mm. However, it has been introduced successfully even in areas where the rainfall is as low as 200 - 250 mm. Time to Mature : Neem grows slowly during the first year of planting. Young neem plants cannot tolerate intensive shade, frost or excessive cold. A Neem tree normally begins to bear fruit between 3 and 5 years and becomes fully productive in 10 years. A mature tree produces 30-50 kg. of fruit every year. Life of Tree : It is estimated that a Neem tree has a productive life span of 150 - 200 years. Neem and rural economy As a part-time supplementary income, even if a poor villager in able to tap 100 neem trees in a year, an additional income flow of Rs. 10,000 per year can be earned. This kind of additional income just by seed collection can be given to one lakh persons. Once can see immense possibilities if neem as a part of agro-forestry is popularized as a part of IRDP and value-added products through village industries. Neem trees are normally planted everywhere in India, for purification of air. Billions of trees exist all over India. If the seeds fallen on ground are collected, and oil is extracted at village level expellers, thousands of tons of oil will be available for lighting the lamps in rural area. It is the best oil for lighting. Since these are spread over a large area, collection of seeds for bio diesel manufacture is not viable. (A compact plantation can support a bio diesel plant). Neem tree has great potential to help small and marginal farmers in rural India, Farmers, who have limited resources, can benefit in many ways from neem. There are easily exploitable, employment and income generation opportunities in the cultivation of neem and processing of neem products, some of which are possible in a decentralized manner on the basis of small investments. Most developing countries have vast areas under marginal lands with low productivity. As neem has multiple uses, its crop on marginal lands can make a significant contribution to rural economies.

Uses of Neem Uses of neem are classified medicinal uses and commercial uses and are as follows : Medicinal Uses Traditionally Neem was used in Ayurveda for a number of conditions. It is one of the main ingredients in every blood purification formula used in Ayurveda and it appears in most Diabetic formulas as well. It is also used for arthritis, rheumatism, the removal of external and internal parasites, including malaria and fevers and as an insect repellent.  Neem possesses anti-diabetic, antibacterial and antipyretic (fever reducing) properties. Neem is used for a wide range of ailments including flu, fever, sore throat, cold, fungal infections, skin diseases, malaria and many more ailments.  The main medicinal uses of different parts of neem in Ayurveda are  Table 1 Ayurvedic Uses of Neem

Part	Medicinal Use
Leaf	Leprosy, skin problems, skin ulcers, intestine worms, anorexia, eye problems, epistaxis, biliousness
Bark	Analgesic, curative of fever
Flower	Elimination of intestine worms, phlegm, bile suppression,
Fruit	Diabetes, eye problem, piles, intestine worms, urinary disorder, wounds, leprosy, epistaxis
Twig	Asthma, cough, piles, intestine worms, obstinate urinary disorder, phantom tumor,  spermatorrhoea
Gum	Scabies, wounds, ulcer, skin diseases
Seed	Intestine worms and leprosy
Oil	Intestine worms, skin diseases and leprosy
Root	Refrigerant, diutretic

Various parts of the neem tree have been used as traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. Neem oil and the bark and leaf extracts have been therapeutically used as folk medicine to control leprosy, intestinal helminthiasis, respiratory disorders, constipation and also as a general health promoter. Its use for the treatment of rheumatism, chronic syphilitic sores and indolent ulcer has also been evident. Neem oil finds use to control various skin infections. Bark, leaf, root, flower and fruit together cure blood morbidity, biliary afflictions, itching, skin ulcers, burning sensations and pthysis. Commercial uses of Neem In the recent time Neem has attracted the global attention as a multipurpose species. Almost every part of the Neem tree is bitter and has application in indigenous medicines. The twigs are used as tooth brush; other parts are used as pharmaceutical and for insect pest control. Neem oil is used in soap making, lamp oil, lubricant and its wood as lumber. Villagers use Neem leaves, barks, flowers, fruits, twigs and wood for various purposes. Though rural people are using this Neem product for generation, they are unable to convert it into monetary value. Therefore, for drawing inferences about its economic values, a more systematic study on larger population is suggested. 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  very potentially profitable. Wood : Neem wood is moderately heavy, stable and resembles mahogany wood in appearance. In strength properties, it resembles to teak but is straight grained more resistant to shock and moderately resistant to fungal attack. It is lightly aromatic and Neem wood is used for making furniture, cart axles, yokes, boards and panels, bottom of drawers, packing cases, ornamental ceilings, ship and boat building helms , oars, toes, drums and agricultural implements. Tenders twigs are used for tooth-brushing and are beneficial against pyorrhoea. 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 wood worms. 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 : Seeds contain oil. The oil is acrid yellow, bitter in taste and has disagreeable farlic like odour. It is used in skin diseases like scrofula, indolent ulcers, sores, and ringworm. In addition Neem oil is applied in case of rheumatism, dandruff, hair conditioning and possess insectidal properties. 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 its 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 in fact the gross misuse of the precious agent which otherwise has several compounds proven for medicinal and agricultural uses of high importance and value. Neem is also becoming a popular beauty aid. Few companies are using Neem oil and leaves for producton of cosmetics like facial creams, nail polishes, nail oils, shampoos and conditioners etc. Neem oil is also a very effective mosquito repellent Fruits : Birds and animals eat Neem’s pulp. This is used     as tonic, ant periodic and purgative. Neem is beneficial in urinary disease and piles. Dry fruits can be bruised in water and employed to treat contagious diseases. This is also used for protecting crops against locust.

Neem oil

Flowers : Dried flowers are eaten raw as fried dish or in curries and soups. Neem flowers are beneficial against dyspepsia, general weakness and contain plenty of nectars. Planting Techniques  Neem can be easily raised through direct sowing, entire / polypot seedlings or root-shoot cuttings. For degraded areas direct sowing is more successful. Entire / polypot seedlings or root-shoot cuttings are more relevant for agro-forestry / silvi pasture and road side avenue plantations. Direct sowing is done either by dibbling in bushes, broadcast sowing, line sowing, sowing on mounds or ridges, sowing in trenches in sunken beds in circular saucers or by aerial sowing. The choice varies with edaphic, climatic, biotic and economic conditions of the site. Planting in pits is carried out by using 20 to 45 cms tall seedlings. Taller ones promise better survival. Planting of stumps prepared from a year old seedlings in crowbar holes also gives good results. Planning techniques are as follows: a) Entire / polypot plantingSeedlings which have attained 20-25 cm height by the beginning of the rainy season are planted out in pits of 30 cu. cm at a spacing of 3x3 mtrs. or any other spacing depending on the purpose of plantation. Pruning of leaves except at the tip and roots has been proved successful in Nagpur district of Maharashtra. In Tamil Nadu, plants of 45 cm height are used for this purpose, since smaller plants are found incapable of bearing the stress of drought period. Planting is, however, done during the rainy season. b) Planting root-shoot cuttings  The stumps are prepared from 12-13 months old seedlings, keeping 2.5 cm of shoot portion and 23 cm of root and are planted in crow bar holes at the break of rains. In Tamil Nadu stumps from two years old plants have given higher survival and better height growth than one year old root stock. 53% success from root-shoot cuttings has been reported from Maharashtra. The success of root-shoot cuttings depends upon rains, prolonged drought may affect survival to a great extent. Plantation Growth  The rate of growth of Neemin plantation varies with the quality of soil. It is fairly rapid up to the age of 5 years after which it slows down. The plant attains a height of 4 m at 5 years and 10 m at 25 years. The mean annual girth increment is 2.3-3.0 cm. More rapid growth is attained under favourable conditions. In Karnataka naturally grown Neem trees of 10 years age give an average height of 6.58 m and girth of 68.1 cm. In alkaline soils of U.P., Neem attains an average height of 170 cm at the end of first season and 264 cm at second season. Seven month old root suckers give the average height of 65.7 cm. Neem trees are moderate to large with a stout rather short stem, generally branching early and forming a large, fairly dense and rounded crown of bright foliage. Although, usually described as evergreen it becomes deciduous in drier area. When the tree sheds the leaves in the dry season, some leaves remain at the end of branches as tufts. Neem can grow in wide variety of soil condition and thrives on a wide variety of climatic range. The absolute minimum and maximum shade temperature found in its some of distribution vary form 0-15° Cand 40-47° C, respectively. The best growth of Neem is found in area having rainfall of about 750-1000mm, but it can survive in area receiving about 150mm of annual rainfall. It can tide over long dry season. Neem tree has a wide climatic adaptability and can be established in hot and dry regions receiving low annual rainfall of 500mm or less. Cost of Cultivation The cost of cultivation will depend upon the extent of the area to be planted. The cost of cultivation for one hectare at an space of 5mx5m i.e. 400 plants/ha has been worked out at Rs.20, 700 / ha which is given below: Table 2:  Cost of Cultivation

Source: NABARD Harvesting, Yield & Returns The yield and income from Neem cultivation and financial analysis are given in table 3 and 4 along with techno-economic parameters. Table 3 Harvesting, Yield & Returns

Year	Yield per tree ( kg)	Yield per ha ( kg)	Income (Rs.)
6	5	2000	11000
7	6	2400	13200
8	10	4000	22000
9	15	6000	33000
10	20	8000	44000

Source: NABARD  Financial Analysis The financial analysis of Neem harvesting is as follows: Table 4 Financial Analysis of Neem Harvesting

Particulars	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Year 6	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10
Capital cost	12,400	2,400	1,900	2,000	2000	-	-	-	-	-
Recurring cost		-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Total Expenditure	12,400	2,400	1900	2000	2000	-	-	-	-	-
Income		-	-	-	-	11000	13,200	22000	33000	44000
Net Income	-12400	-2400	-1900	-2000	-2000	11000	13200	22000	33000	44000

Source: NABARD Techno - Economic Parameters Spacing of 5 m x 5 m has been adopted. The number of trees to be planted is 400 per hectare. Survival is considered at 90% with 10% casualty replacement. Life saving irrigation to be given during the first three years. Tree starts bearing fruits after about 5 years. A conservative yield of 5, 6,10,15,20 kg per tree has been presumed from 6th year onwards. Yield stabilises in 10th year. Sale price of seed has been considered at Rs.5.50/kg. Neem seed price is projected to be Rs.10000 / ton in the near future. So, it is high time to exploit the potential of this hitherto neglected tree & to manage neem for higher economic returns to farmers. It has been estimated that 10 yr old tree can yield a timber of 5-6 c.ft / tree. Export potential of Neem Neem and its products are finding favor in almost all countries like US, UK, Australia etc. Neem researches are being undertaken by organizations such as UN to see if it can be used as a bio fuel, particularly to manufacture bio diesel. Among the forest produce, Neemis perhaps the only tree that has potential of producing several items that can be exported, besides of course few medicinal plants obtained from forest. That is why many developed countries like USA, Japan, Germany, France and Netherlands which do not possess much Neem wealth have developed research laboratories exclusively for Neem. On the contrary, India has very high resources of Neemwealth with millions of trees scattered throughout the country. The commercial value of Neem has been known to mankind since time immemorial. Each part of the tree like the bark, seed, leaf, flower, wood, and twig has been in use in the traditional systems of medicine and now, it is increasingly being used on a commercial basis for large scale production of medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides, manures and animal feed. Neem- Providing Employment Opportunities The revered tree has immense potential to help small and rural farmers provide lucrative employment opportunities in developing nations. The cultivation and processing of raw neem, neem extracts and neem finished products pose big income generation ability. As neem can grow in areas with low productivity and dry soil, not much investment it required on small scale cultivation. Future Trends of Neem and its by-products Regulates nitrogen release from nitrogenous fertilizers. Bio activity against plant pathogens and pests. Soil conditioner Lowers the C: N ratio of soil organic matter. Enhances the spread and multiplication of beneficial micro flora. Soil conservation Excellent source of organic nitrogen. Exerts behavioral, Physiological and biochemical effects on insects. Excellent soil amendment. Non development of resistance of microorganisms towards neem based products. Harmless nature; against non target organisms. Lack of any residue problem. Acts as an excellent input in the use of Integrated Pest Management. Excellent air purifier as well as wind breaks. Increases soil fertility and soil water holding capacity. Neem can balance acidic soils of calcium mines and neutralize them. Wood is excellent in manufacturing agricultural implements. Useful tree in rehabilitating waste land areas. Very effective against global warming. Toxicants produced during microbial degradation of neem inhibit several stages of pest populatio. Conclusion India is the wonderful country which has great significance of different trees. The Neem tree is one of the most exciting trees in India. There is lots of medical significance for the Neem tree. This tree is also generally known as the miracle tree. In recent years an understanding of the value and significance of neem has been further heightened by the upsurge of interest in the West in the tree's powers. Issues of protection and patents have been hotly debated; the people of the sub-continent have become protective of the neem's products in the larger world. So “NEEM is GREEN GOLD”