UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

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?

Explanation: 

• Neem is a fast-growing tree, generally 15–20 m tall (sometimes up to 40 m tall), with a crown diameter up to 20 m. Neem is evergreen but can shed most of its leaves under dry conditions. The neem tree is native to the seasonally dry, tropical woodlands of north-east India and perhaps parts of Asia.
  
  
• Neem de-oiled cakes are used as organic manure. Neem cakes are much in demand as insecticides and pesticides. So, statement 1 is correct. 
  
  
• Neem seeds are not used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents, and there are not many concrete examples of the same. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  
• Neem oil is also used as a medicine. The demand for neem oil in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry is increasing constantly. So, statement 3 is correct. 
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer. 

Subject: Environment | Plant and Animal Anatomy