India is an agriculture-based country, with a significant portion of its population relying on farming for their livelihood. During the Kharif season, farmers cultivate key crops such as rice, cotton, maize, soybean, and groundnut, putting in immense effort and dedication. However, in recent years, pest infestations in these crops have risen sharply, posing a serious threat to both yield and income.
Cotton crops, in particular, have been severely affected by pests like the pink bollworm, whitefly, and thrips. Similarly, maize and rice face damage from stem borers, while groundnut and soybean are increasingly impacted by whiteflies, which spread viral diseases. Timely and effective pest control has become crucial to protect these crops and sustain farm productivity.
Traditionally, farmers have relied on chemical pesticides to manage pest problems. But over time, repeated use of the same pesticides has led to resistance among pests. Products that were once effective are now losing their impact, forcing farmers to increase dosages or turn to newer, often more expensive alternatives. This not only raises input costs but also offers no guarantee of improved results.
Excessive Use of Pesticides – Who Bears the Risk?
Overuse and continuous use of chemical pesticides is harmful not just for crops but also for the soil, water, and the environment. Take cotton for example, while it is attacked by about 12 major pests, there are also about 172 beneficial insects associated with it. These beneficial insects naturally help control harmful pests and protect the crop.
But when farmers spray chemical pesticides, they kill both good and bad insects, disrupting this natural balance. As the number of beneficial insects decreases, harmful pests grow rapidly due to the absence of natural predators. These pests also quickly adapt and develop resistance to new pesticides.
Short-Term Effect of Chemical Pesticides
Usually, when a pesticide is sprayed, it stays on the leaf for a short while. Then it gets absorbed inside the leaf, where the plant’s immune system starts to fight it. Just like the human immune system reacts to a toxin, the plant also works to neutralize the chemical.
Within 4-5 days, the effect of the pesticide fades. At the same time, the crop's growth is adversely affected and temporarily stops. This means that the pesticide effect is short-lived, and frequent spraying doesn’t give long-term benefits. This directly affects farmers’ pockets, the costs rise, and profits shrink.
What is the Solution?
Farmers now need an option that works longer, is safe for the environment and soil, and does not harm beneficial insects. One such solution is Zytonic Neem, which is made using microencapsulation technology.
Neem – Nature’s Gift
Neem has been considered a valuable medicinal plant in both Ayurveda and agriculture. Neem oil contains a compound called Azadirachtin, which disrupts the life cycle of insects. It not only destroys their eggs but also prevents them from laying eggs. Moreover, when pests feed on the bitter neem-treated leaves, their reproductive ability is reduced.
Neem is not harmful to beneficial insects or the environment. Hence, several agricultural universities and research institutions like HAU (Haryana Agricultural University), PAU (Punjab Agricultural University), and Rajasthan Agricultural University have recommended neem use in pest management.
Right Use of Neem: What Farmers Should Know
The effectiveness of neem oil depends on the Azadirachtin content. If the concentration is too high, it may harm even beneficial insects. Hence, neem products with a balanced concentration of Azadirachtin are ideal for use.
Zytonic Neem – New Technology, Better Results
Zytonic Neem, developed by Zydex Industries, contains Azadirachtin up to 300 ppm. To make the neem oil more effective, the company has used microencapsulation technology. This can also be called the “strong hold on leaf” technology. The formulation is designed in such a way that when sprayed on leaves, it provides the following benefits:
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The effect stays longer on the leaf, as it holds it firmly.
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Neem oil makes leaves bitter, preventing pests from laying eggs.
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Beneficial insects remain safe.
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As a biological product, it does not harm soil or the environment.
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It can be mixed with other pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides) to enhance their effectiveness.
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Cost-effective as repeated spraying is not required.
How to Use Zytonic Neem
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To prevent pest attack, spray 500 ml per acre of Zytonic Neem before pests appear.
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If pests are already present and farmers are using pesticides, then add 1–2 ml per liter of water of Zytonic Neem along with the pesticide for spraying.
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When using neem with pesticides, make sure to first mix neem and the pesticide together, then add this mixture to water. This ensures full benefit from the microencapsulation technology and enhances pesticide effectiveness.
Zytonic Neem is also effective against soil-borne pests. When applied by mixing it with water and pouring into the soil, it controls harmful pests and keeps the crop’s root system safe.
Major Role of Neem in Cotton IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
In cotton, pink bollworm causes severe damage. Although its life cycle is short, it spreads quickly and builds resistance to pesticides. Scientists recommend that neem oil sprays should be applied early in the crop cycle to suppress pest populations. Due to its microencapsulation, Zytonic Neem is highly suitable for this purpose. The first spray offers control in the early pest stages, and using Zytonic Neem in subsequent sprays enhances pesticide effect and disrupts the pest life cycle, offering long-term protection.
Zytonic Neem: Effective for All Crops
Besides cotton, Zytonic Neem shows excellent results in all types of crops. It provides effective pest control while keeping crops and the environment safe. Zytonic Neem is effective against various sucking pests across crops. When combined with pesticides, it enhances their impact, helping farmers achieve better pest control at lower costs.
