UPSC Prelims 2014 Q64: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:
1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and
mites.
2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Uses of the Neem tree
| Statement | Verdict (official key) | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control some species of insects and mites | Correct | Azadirachtin in neem repels and kills pests |
| 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents | Incorrect | Not counted as an established use |
| 3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry | Correct | Used in antiseptic, skin and dental products |
Neem at a glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Azadirachta indica |
| Farm use | Neem-coated urea; neem cake as manure |
| Patent case | A European patent on a neem fungicide was revoked in 2000 as biopiracy |
Some argue that neem oil can make biodiesel, so statement 2 is partly true; the official key rejects it.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is not accepted, and statement 3 on pharmaceutical use is left out.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: neem oil is a pesticide.
- (c) CORRECT. Neem oil is a pesticide and has pharmaceutical applications.
- (d) Incorrect. The official key does not accept the biofuels and hospital detergents claim.
Key point
Neem (Azadirachta indica): azadirachtin as bio-pesticide; pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses; neem-coated urea; patent revoked as biopiracy (2000).
Remember
Neem = pesticide + medicine.
Common mistakes
- Accepting the odd phrase 'hospital detergents'.
- Forgetting the active compound: azadirachtin.
- Not knowing the neem patent biopiracy case.
Exam tip
An unusual, specific claim ('hospital detergents') is the one to doubt.
Sources
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research — Neem in agriculture
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research — Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (neem patent case)