Evaluation of Productivity of Pearl Millet and Clusterbean and Growth Parameters of Neem Strains under Agro-Forestry System under Semi-Arid and Rainfed Condition

Neem (Azadirachta indica) tree is a native to Indian sub-continent and found throughout the India with maximum number of trees which are distributed over 70-75% geographical area of this country. It is distributed throughout south and southeast Asia, Australia, Africa and many other countries in central and south America including Carribean, Puer to Rica and Virgin Islands (Ram Mohan and Nair, 1993). The tree has been considered so invaluable and miraculous that it became a major inseparable component of the Indian ecosystem. Neem has been held in high esteem because of it provde medicinal and insecticidal properties. As a single tree it has maximum uses like medicines, bio-pesticides, mosquito repellents, fertilizers, diabetic foods, soaps, lubricants, gums, agriculture implements, tooth paste, tooth sticks, contraceptives etc. which is receiving worldwide recognition for its variety of bio-active principles. For a farmer the tree provided seeds, leaf and bark which could be converted into fertilizer and pest control material and medicine for livestock. Neem enjoys a wide range of climatic and edaphic factors. It is successfully grown in arid, semi-arid, wet tropical and sub-tropical climates. It is tolerant to high temperature up to 49oC but susceptible to excessive frost and water logged conditions (Hegde, 1993). Its performance is well on poor, shallow, stony or sandy soils and can be established easily without irrigation in hot and dry regions with low annual rainfall of 500 mm or less. It can be planted at farm/field boundaries, road sides, canal banks, river banks and wherever any space is vacant. Neem is the most ideal tree known to be successful under various agroforestry systems. Many Indian companies are currently engaged in processing neem seeds for extracting Azadirachtin. A large number of liquid and powdered formulations are being marketed in India. Although, this tree has tremendous potential, but till now it is to be exploited for full genetic potential in terms of growth and Azadirachtin content. By increasing Azadirachtin content more than 0.50 % in seed kernel much better price would be fetched (Gupta et. al. 2010). Realizing the economic potential of neem products in world market and good adaptability in wider climatic conditions and land situations in India, Central Agroforestry Research Institute, Jhansi collected a good amount of neem germplasm from nine states and evaluated critically for all the important characters and published in the form of “Neem catalogue” (Gupta et. al. 2011)