MP to purchase 107 tonnes neem seeds

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh (MP) Forest department has decided to purchase 107 tonnes of neem seeds from tribals district for using them at Neem oil expeller plant being set up at Khargone district.
Giving information about neem oil expeller plant, state forest minister Sartaj Singh said that in the first phase, 1000 quintals of neem seeds worth Rs. 5.62 thousand has been purchased from tribals.
The plant will bring about socio-economic and environmental benefits in the area. The plant is estimated to generate 13 775 man days of employment.
Singh informed the Forest Department will purchase neem seeds from tribals through Village Forest Committees. Neem de-oiled cake will be used as organic manure. Neem cakes are much in demand as insecticide.
Neem oil is also used as a medicine. Demand of neem oil in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry is increasing constantly.
Collection, treatment, storage and transportation of neem seeds will lead to local people’s economic uplift.
Neem seed oil expeller plant at Khargone has been set up at a cost of Rs. 17 lakh by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department under scheme sanctioned by the Central Government.