One of the aims of the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management is to systematically study,
document and collate various forms of indigenous technical knowledge used by farmers throughout India.
The present article presents the objectives, methodology and results of one such research project: 'Using
neem leaves in storage bags to prevent damage to grains by pests'.
Introduction
Today it is widely accepted among agricultural scientists throughout the world that the re-assessment of
indigenous technical knowledge is an indispensable part of the introduction of new agricultural technology.
It is recognized that the knowledge of farmers must be taken into account before any new technology is
developed and disseminated. This view is based on the assumption that:
It was with this in mind that the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, a constituent body of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), sent scientist-trainees to the rural villages throughout the country, as part of its structured curriculum for agricultural research service scientists. In order to gain a direct understanding of the rural scenario, the scientist-trainees live with a farm family for 7 weeks of their 20-week training period. As part of their research assignments and technology development projects, the scientist trainees collect and document various forms of traditional and indigenous knowledge which for generations have been used by farmers in their agricultural and related operations.
Objectives
An effort was made by the Academy to systematically study, document and collate relevant forms of
indigenous technical knowledge used by farmers throughout India. One of these, a specific indigenous
practice related to post-harvest technology which is employed by most Indian farmers, was studied in detail.
The aim was to use scientific means to validate its effectiveness and justify its broader use by farmers in
other parts of the country and the world. This practice consists in using neem leaves in
storage bags as a means of preventing damage to grains by pests.
The specific objectives of the study were:
The information was collected by the scientist-trainees, using an open-ended questionnaire. Information was collected on the material used for the storage of grains; the quantity of grains kept in the basket, bin or can; the quantity of neem leaves used for a particular quantity of grains; the length of time the neem leaves are kept in the basket; and the total time the grains remain in the bin, can or basket. After the information on the safe storage of grains was collected from the farmers and the practitioners of this post-harvest technology, the scientists collated the information and prepared their report.
Results
For generations this practice has been employed by farmers in the four major states--West Bengal, Bihar,
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu--to protect paddy, and by those in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
Haryana, Punjab and Maharashtra to protect wheat.
The bins, baskets or cans used for storing the grains are generally made of thatch bamboo, wood or thin sheets of aluminium. Grain is also stored in large earthenware pots, and many of the farmers in the low- income group make use of bamboo baskets, or gunnysacks (bags made of jute fibres).
The quantity of grains stored in a bag or basket generally varies from 50-100 kg. For every 50 kg of grains, about 200 grams of neem leaves, together with a few of the more tender branches, are added. The amount of leaves is increased with the quantity of grains.
It has been reported by the scientist-trainees that in the first 2 to 3 months, the grains stored together with neem leaves are not affected by pests of any kind. If the baskets are kept completely airtight, the occurrence of pests in the grains is reduced virtually to nil. It is also reported that after three months various pests are to be found in the bamboo baskets and in gunnysacks where grains are stored.
In all cases, the occurrence of pests in grain storage baskets is now reported to be negligible, thanks to the use of neem leaves. Most farmers have now adopted this practice, which is available at virtually no cost, as the neem leaves are in plentiful supply throughout the rural areas.
Conclusion
Many organizations and research labs throughout the country are now preparing pesticides from the
neem leaves and its fruits. Because they are not chemical in nature, neem
leaves are environment-friendly, and cause no damage either to plants and animals or to human beings.
After thorough discussions with the scientists involved, plant protection officials and the farmers who have long made use of this practice, it has been suggested that when used in appropriate quantities and kept in almost airtight storage bins, neem leaves prevent damage to grains by pests. The neem leaves in the storage bins should be replaced every six to eight weeks. This technique can also be used for other types of grain elsewhere in the country and in other parts of the world.
Dr R.K. Samanta
Faculty Member and Head
Transfer of Technology Systems and Policies Unit
National Academy of Agricultural Research Management
Rajendranagar
Hyderabad 500 030
India
Dr M.V. Prasad
Scientist Agriculture extension
National Research Centre on Spices at Calicut
Kerala 673 012
India