The National Innovation Foundation (NIF) has recently made headlines for its latest achievement: the development of a herbal formulation that effectively combats tick infestation among dairy animals. This was accomplished through collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, as part of a research programme focused on testing a polyherbal medication.
The Problem of Tick Infestation
Ticks are a significant concern in the dairy farming industry. These blood-sucking parasites are not only harmful to the health and productivity of dairy animals, but also pose a significant economic burden. Ticks carry pathogens that severely reduce milk production. The consequences ripple through the farming sector, leading to losses of income. Current solutions are centered around the use of chemical acaricides which are expensive and require frequent applications due to the nature of these parasites.
Introduction to the New Herbal Formulation
The NIF has developed and standardized a new formulation that employs common herbal ingredients like Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Nagod (Vitex negundo), medicinal trees indigenous to various local communities. This polyherbal medication has shown impressive results under field conditions, making it an appealing and cost-effective alternative to the chemical-heavy treatments currently in use.
About the National Innovation Foundation
Set up in 2000 with support from the Department of Science and Technology, the NIF is an autonomous body dedicated to bolstering grassroots technological innovations and promoting traditional knowledge. Its mission is to cultivate a creative, knowledge-based society within India by providing institutional support to grassroots innovators, ensuring their inventions get the recognition and reward they deserve.
NIF and the UPSC Civil Services Examination
The NIF’s efforts have been recognized in previous Uttar Pradesh Civil Service (UPSC) examinations. In the 2015 edition of the exam, candidates were asked to identify statements about the NIF. The two presented were: “NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government” and “NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.” The correct answer was that NIF is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology.
This latest development by the NIF demonstrates its ongoing commitment to finding affordable, efficient solutions to agricultural challenges. By harnessing the power of indigenous plants, the foundation continues to revolutionize India’s farming industry. However, it’s not only the traditional knowledge that comes to the fore, but also how this can be combined with modern technology to create solutions for challenges in various sectors. This brings a renewed hope not only for struggling farmers, but also signals a positive future for rural communities across India.
