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Neem-based pesticide to be tried at plantations

KOCHI: A programme for production of neem-based bio-pesticides for agricultural use is being undertaken by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme.

Establishments such as the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Spices Board and the UPASI Tea Research Foundation are also involved in the project.

The project envisages development of indigenous technology and spreading of awareness on the benefits of using bio-pesticides. Neem kernel aqueous extract produced as part of the project was tested on vegetables such as brinjal, cabbage and chilli in West Bengal and Maharashtra as part of a project undertaken by the Regional Network on Pesticides for Asia and Pacific (RENPAP) and found to be effective.

Large tracts of tea, coffee and spices plantations will be brought under the bio-pesticides programme, according to S. Varadarasan of the Indian Cardamom Research Institute at Myladumpara, a scientist associated with the project.

The bio-pesticide was made from an extract from the neem kernel. A meeting of various plantation agencies convened by the Union government had supported the use of the eco-friendly product, Mr. Varadarasan said.

The new project will be implemented in black pepper and cardamom farms in Kerala over a period of three years. The bio-pesticide programme will also be taken up in chilly cultivations in Guntur as well as ginger and turmeric farms in Meghalaya.

Chemical pesticides are known to be non-biodegradable and pose threats to the environment. Over the years, there are pests that have developed resistance to the ordinary doses of pesticides. This has forced farmers to utilise more toxic varieties of pesticides, resulting in additional harm to the environment. Replacing the chemical pesticides with the bio-pesticides is expected to improve farming conditions apart from providing additional employment opportunities in the agricultural sector. The process could encourage sustainable agriculture. The neem-based pesticides are effective against a wide range of pests, according to studies. The project plans to further the studies on the formulations while trying to increase the area under bio-pesticide application.

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