Status Report on Global Neem Usage - Gtz

2. GLOBAL NEEM DISSEMINATION AND USAGE2. Remove pulpBefore drying the pulp should be totally removed from the seeds. This requires washingand scrubbing of the seeds.3. Dry the seedsNormally neem seeds are spread out in thin clean layers under shade and dried for severaldays. If the air is very humid, it may be necessary to dry the seeds directly in the sun forsome hours before drying for several days in the shade. If the drying conditions are notadjusted, seeds begin to go mouldy, which can lead to a larger quantity becoming infected.Infected seeds or other impurities such as broken seeds, stones, soil or parts of other plantsshould be sorted out. Contamination with storage pests, fungus or chemicals (pesticides)may cause problems when using or processing the seeds.StorageOnly good quality seeds can be stored for longer periods of time. The husk of the seeds mustbe intact and they should be kept in clean cloth bags or pots in dry conditions. It is importantthat after drying the moisture content of the seeds is around 8%. Ideally they should bestored at a low ambient temperature (10 – 20°C) and for no longer than one year. Each batchof harvested neem raw material should be stored and marked separately.Quality standards of neem raw materialThe following table shows the minimum quality standards for all uses of neem.Table 2.3:Quality standards for raw materialRawmaterialSeedsCrushedneemseedsQualityparameterAzadirachtincontentMoisturecontent of theseedsDegree ofpurity or contaminationStorage of dryseedsStorage andpackagingRequirementsMinimum 1.5 µg/gDrying under 8 %Clean seeds withoutpulp, impuritiesand no contaminationIn large, well-ventilatedsacks for nomore than 2 years;Vacuum-packed inquality plasticbags (PE/PA);bags should berecyclableNotesLower values indicate faulty harvesting,drying or storage; or the seeds are to oldFaulty drying; the seeds cannot be storedfor a long time; they begin to go mouldy.Problems processing the seeds; impuritiessuch as stones, soil or parts of other plants;no contamination with storage pests orfungi, nor with chemicals (pesticides)Store-room have to be dry, clean, ventilatedand without contamination of storagepests or fungus; neither chemicalsStorage maintains constant quality andfreedom from impurities and moisture for atleast 2 years; this means that moisture andair should not penetrate the bag15