Bihar Farmer's Innovation: Natural Pesticide from Tobacco Stalks Replaces Harmful Chemicals

• Shail Devi, a farmer from Sitamarhi, Bihar, developed an indigenous pesticide from tobacco stalks ('gulli') and neem leaves.
• This natural method drastically reduces farming costs and utilizes agricultural waste, promoting natural farming.
• The pesticide is made by soaking tobacco stalks for 36 hours, filtering, adding neem leaf solution, and letting it sit for 18 hours (total 54 hours).
• Scientifically, nicotine from tobacco and Azadirachtin from neem provide a dual effect against pests like green caterpillars and red-winged insects.
• It's versatile, targets harmful pests, spares beneficial insects, preserves soil fertility, and ensures chemical-free, healthy produce.