4.4.3.2 Processing activities

Manufacture of formulated neem oil

Decortication of 400 kg neem seeds results in 200 kg of neem kernels.

Pressing 200 kg neem kernels results in approx. 50 l neem oil and 150 kg neem cake.

50 litres of raw oil + 20% emulsifiers results in 60 litres of formulated neem oil, type "CE 80".

The neem oil is bottled in containers of 1 l and 20 l.

Recommended application is 4 - 10 ml/l oil in water, depending on the occurrence of pests.

Manufacturing of neem cake (Torta de Nim, 0.3% WP)

From 400 kg neem seeds, 150 kg neem cake is left over. This is milled with a hammer mill and packed in 2 kg or 20 kg bags.

Recommended application is 25 g/l water. According to the manufacturer the cake has an azadirachtin content of 0.3%.

Manufacture of alcoholic neem extract (Nim Action 0.4 SL)

200 kg neem cake is mixed with 100 l alcohol for 8 h in a mechanical stirring unit. The extract is filtered and the filtrate mixed with emulsifiers.

1 l Nim Action 0.4 SL consists of 1% emulsifiers, 79% alcoholic extract and up to 20% neem oil. According to Copinim the azadirachtin content is 0.4%.

The product is bottled in 1 l and 20 l units.

Manufacture of neem paste (Pasta Nim)

The neem paste is a by-product of the oil manufacture and is basically the sediment remaining after the neem oil is filtered. The pomade is filled in 125 g units.

All Copinim's neem products are registered by "Sanidad Vegetal".

Quality control

The raw material and products are checked for cleanliness, contamination with fungi and correct packing and bottling. There is no laboratory in Nicaragua which is able to check the azadirachtin content.