Distribution and Traditional Practice on Neem in the Rural Homesteads of Chittagong Coastal Plain of Bangladesh

Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), native to the Indian sub-continent, has been known since the ancient time for its medicinal and insect repellent properties. In recent years, Neem has attracted global attention due to its potential as a source of natural drugs and also environment-friendly pesticides. In the households. The distribution and traditional practice on Neem can be important to the agriculturist, ethno-pharmaceutical developers and to the rural development practitioners in Bangladesh. An exploratory survey on the distribution and traditional practice on Neem tree in the rural homesteads of Chittagong coastal plain, Bangladesh, was conducted over a period of three months from September 2002 to November 2002. It was found that maximum, 64% households used seedling as planting material having 40% maximum sources Within the major tree species present in the homesteads, Neem accounted for 12% among the total individuals. It was found that the availability of Neem trees was found maximum, 31%, in the homesteads of medium sized households. Maximum, 42% individuals of Neem were found within the DBH of 10.1 to 20 cm; and 37% within the 3.1 to 6 m height classes. Neem trees were found to be used maximum, 88% for furniture. The findings of the study will be of immense importance for the rural development practitioners and ethno pharmacological developers in Bangladesh.