NEEM – A Tree For Solving Global Problems
We had recently published a post on the Neem Tree (The Neem Tree – The Village Pharmacy) and I would like to follow up with this informative video below. The Neem tree has been called “A Tree For Solving Global Problems” by the BOSTID Innovation Program (BOSTID = Board on Science and Technology for International Development (National Academy of Sciences)).
The world’s probably largest Neem (Azadirachta indica) plantation can be found on 10 sq km in the Plains of Arafat, Saudi Arabia, where 50,000 trees have been planted. The project, designed to provide shade to the ca. 2 million Muslim pilgrims who camp there annually for “Haj” rites, also has an economic potential. Pest-control materials, soap, toothpaste, and pharmaceutical products are among items that could be produced for home consumption and export. The Neem Tree was introduced into the country more than 40 years ago and has acclimated itself remarkably well to the local hot and arid conditions.
Perhaps the most important trait of Neem is its ability to persist and grow in drought-prone soils. Many areas of Africa have suffered from overgrazing and subsequent desertification. The Sahara Desert has advanced relentlessly, aided by the ever- increasing population demands along its borders, especially in the Sahel, an area south of the desert which covers six countries from Senegal to Chad. Re-forestation efforts have been greatly aided by the introduction of Neem trees to these areas. Other countries successfully growing Neem include Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, China, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. A few trees currently exist in southern Florida, Hawaii, Texas and Puerto Rico.
In May 2000, the European Patent Office officially revoked patent number 436257 — a Neem tree patent granted to the US multinational W R Grace, who had been granted the patent to develop a fungicide from Neem seeds but had then been massively opposed by many people, in India and beyond, who regarded the patent as an attempt to commoditise what had always been common property. I would say, the fact that a multinational company attempts to patent Neem is prove enough that this is a very remarkable tree!
Neem is a fascinating tree. On the one hand, it seems to be one of the most promising of all plants and may eventually benefit every person on the planet. Probably no other yields as many strange and varied products or has as many exploitable by-products. Indeed, as foreseen by some scientists, this plant may usher in a new era in pest control, provide millions with inexpensive medicines, cut down the rate of human population growth, and perhaps even reduce erosion, deforestation, and the excessive temperature of an overheated globe.
Excerpt from the preface of the book “Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems” (National Research Council. 1992. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.).
Further comprehensive Literature on Neem (click on the links to open in a new window):
Read online or download: “Neem-Today and in the New Millennium” (291 pages)
