Neem Cake Azadirachta indica

Neem, Azadirachta indica is native to the arid regions of the Indian sub continent, where it grows to 12-24 m high at altitudes between 50 and 100 m with 130 mm of sufficient rainfall per annum for its normal growth.

The magical tree and hundreds of its active compounds are used to manufacture a number of products. Natural properties of neem do not have any toxic reactions. All the parts of neem like seed, flowers, bark, and leaf can be used to produce high quality product. Products derived from Neem tree act as powerful Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) and also help in controlling several nematodes and fungi. Neem products reduce insect growth in crops and plants. Neem products are used as neem insecticide, neem pesticide, neem pest fumigant, neem fertilizer, neem manure, neem compost, neem urea coating agent and neem soil conditioner.

Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and has insecticidal and medicinal properties due to which it has been used in pest control in rice cultivation.

Neem seed cake (residue of neem seeds after oil extraction) when used for soil amendment or added to soil, not only enriches the soil with organic matter but also lowers nitrogen losses by inhibiting nitrification. It also works as a nematicide.

Neem leaves are used as green leaf manure and also in preparation of litter compost. Neem leaves are also used in storage of grains.