CONTRIBUTION OF NEEM LEAVES IN RURAL LIVELIHOOD IN SOJAT CITY OF PALI DISTRICT IN RAJASTHAN

Neem (Azadirachtaindica A. Juss) is the most useful medicinal plant in India and is popularly known as ?Village Pharmacy?. Each part of the neem tree has some medicinal property and is thus commercially exploitable. It is now considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products. Besides, green dried leaves of the tree are a good source of income to the farmers of Sojat in Pali district. A socio-economic survey was conducted in 103 villages in Pali district (Rajasthan) to assess the role of neem products in rural livelihood. Findings of survey revealed that trees are lopped only once a year (November-December). Neem leaf is traded commercially for mixing with Mehndi (Lawseniainnermis) by herbal industries and exported to various states viz. M.P., Maharashtra, Karnataka etc. as well as to various European and Gulf countries.Although it is a seasonal activity but provides employment for about 4-5 months (November-March) both for neem leave collectors, herbal and pharmaceutical industries. For rest of the year collectors and industrialists switch over to other employment opportunities. The gap between demand and supply of neem leaves is estimated as 100 ton/year in Pali district. On an average 150 ton neem leaf powder is also traded in India and abroad in the form of 80-100 kg packets at the prevailing rate of Rs.900/- per kg.Bailing of neem leaves is done at a rate of Rs.1/- per kg and 80 kg or 100 kg bales are prepared on job basis by M/s.Kamal Plastics, Sojat (Pali district in Rajasthan).