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| Neem: Tree of 21st century | | | Ravneet Kour
Neem is one of the most promising of all plants. Infact no other plant yields as much varied products as it does. United Nations has declared Neem as the Tree of 21st century.
The demand of Bio-pesticides and Bio-fertilizers is rising sharply in India as well as in other foreign countries because there is large hue and cry over the harmful effects of excessive use of synthetic products. The international community is looking for Natural bio-pesticides which are eco-friendly. Safe to human beings and animals and in resistance for insects-pests.
Neem insecticides are the ideal components of the IPM (Integrated pest management). These are available in various concentrations like 500 ppm (0.03% EC), 1500 ppm (.15%EC), 3000 ppm (03% EC), 10000 ppm (1.0% EC), 50000 ppm (5% EC). The shelf life of these insecticides is one year from the date of manufacturing provided. These are kept under normal storage conditions. The key component of Neem based insecticides is Azadirachtin. It is a yellowish powder extracted from Neem seed Kernals and used for preparing Neem insecticides. Neem insecticides can control a large number of insects pests like aphids, beetles, bollworms, caterpillars, borers, mites and mealy bugs etc. These can be used on various crops like Rice, Wheat, vegetables, fruits, spices, floricultural crops etc.
Neem seed oil is another main product of Neem Treee. It is a dark yellowish viscous liquid. It contains the active ingredient like Azadirachtin and various other compounds like Nimbin, Salanin, Diacetyl, Mimbin etc. Besides a potent pesticide, Neem seed oil finds its use in various antiseptic products, contraceptives, Anti hyperglycemic, Skin care and veterinary care peoducts.
Neem organic manure is another product of Neem Tree. It is a source of all macro and micro nutrients.
It increases nitrogen use efficiency of soil. Besides this, it also helps to reduce the soil insect pests, termites, bacteria, fungi and nematodes as it contains various active compounds. Neem is also a good coating agent. It is available in both liquid and powder form. Neem can be used for multiple purposes.
Horticulture: A way of life
Horticulture is comprised of two words; Hortus meaning Garden and culture meaning cultivation. The cultivation of garden plants is known as Horticulture. Whether there are flowers, fruits, vegetables, aromatic or medicinal plants – all find a special use in our routine life.
Horticulture has assumed a significant place in our day to day life. Flowers are used on every occasion whether it is social, cultural or religious. No birth celebrations, marriage or birthday functions or death ceremonies are complete without the use of flowers. The Agarbatis and the doop which we daily use in our Pooja rooms are aromatic products.
Innumerable horticultural products are used in our daily diets. Our breakfast comprises of Tea, Coffee, Juices, Jams, Jellies, fruits and Nuts. Our lunch and dinner is incomplete without vegetables, fruits, spices and herbs which are belong to Horticulture. They provide us nutritious diet. In case we fall sick, we are treated with products of medicinal plants. Again horticulture plays a vital role in keeping us healthy.
Other than the nutritious diet, there are several other products like herbal soaps, shampoos, (Shikakai and Amla), tooth pastes, oils, (Coconut, Amla, Olive etc) lotions, perfumes, Agarbaties etc. which find immense use in our day to day life. These all are horticultural products. The horticulture is a part and parcel of our daily life.
Many people during their leisure times or on special occasions enjoy beverages like wine, cigar, champagne, beer etc which are derived from horticultural plants.
Besides, Horticulture encompasses every aspect like aesthetics, economics, environment purification, employment generation, Nutrition, Medication etc. The agro-climatic conditions of J&K state are conducive for growing most of fruits from sub-tropical to temperate, vegetables and flowers. It can help to boos economy and employment generation. Therefore, the Horticulture must be given due attention. |
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