Neem

Neem

　　Neem is a subtropical economic tree species, a fast-growing and tall tree. It begins to bear fruit three years after artificial cultivation, forms a forest in four years, enters its production period at 8–9 years, yields about 1,000 kilograms of seeds per mu, has a productive lifespan of up to 200 years, and can grow up to 40 meters tall. Every part of the neem tree is valuable; the seeds of the neem contain an insecticidal active compound known as a tetracyclic triterpenoid. Sixteen natural compounds have been isolated and identified from it. Among them, azadirachtin is internationally recognized as the most potent and highly valuable component, functioning as a broad-spectrum insecticidal agent effective against over 200 species of agricultural, forestry, storage, and sanitation pests across eight orders. It is harmless to humans, livestock, fish, and birds. Azadirachtin serves as the main raw material for producing non-toxic, highly effective, and broad-spectrum biopesticides, representing the direction of biopesticide development in the 21st century. It is also an excellent medicine for human antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and ulcer-prevention purposes, an additive for new types of toothpaste and soap, and a raw material for developing new contraceptives without side effects. The roots, branches, leaves, and bark of the neem all contain azadirachtin. The tree itself is a fast-growing, high-quality timber species. Originally native to Myanmar and India, neem was successfully introduced in Luxi City in the past decade, with a current planting area of 10,000 mu and 560,000 trees. Due to suitable light, heat, water, and soil conditions, the trees are growing well, with high fruiting rates and good economic returns. It has been designated as a key green economy development project by the People's Government of Yunnan Province. Yunnan Guangming Neem Industry Development Co., Ltd. was established in Luxi, where a neem processing factory has been built, along with a seedling cultivation base that supplies the whole province. Luxi City plans to develop an area of 200,000 mu. (Luxi)