Kanubharthi (53), a resident of Jambuda village, has developed a herbal formulation to control pests in various crops.

Trials were conducted by Sadbhav SRISTI Sanshodhan Laboratory, Ahmedabad and encouraging results (70% protection) were obtained. Under the CSIR-NIF MOU, the practice was also sent for validation at the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh where it was tested in different ratios against Lepidopterons. The formulation was found to be effective against the larvae of Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. A startling result was also obtained when HPLC for the formulation was performed. The ingredients of this formulation were found to provide stability to active compounds of neem, which otherwise disintegrates very quickly. This discovery may give the world its first herbal neem stabilizer!