Comprehensive analysis for the production of Neem bioinsecticide in Colombia: from chemistry to economic analysis

Neem-based products represent a growing segment of the natural product market, particularly in biocontrol and biopesticide applications. Despite neem global relevance, its cultivation and agro-industrial potential in Colombia remains limited. In this study evaluated the chemical composition, oil yield, and economic feasibility of neem ( Azadirachta indica ) cultivation and processing in Colombia. Different neem accessions collected from five Colombian regions and two foreign countries were used. Triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, azadirachtin content, and antioxidant activity were quantified using colorimetric and chromatographic techniques. A techno-economic analysis was conducted to estimate production costs and minimum selling prices under different scenarios. Oil yield was consistent (10.86–15.2%), but azadirachtin concentration varied significantly, with highest levels in seeds from Cesar, Colombia (538.2 mg/g). Approximately 4.2 million hectares in Colombia were identified as suitable for neem cultivation. The economic simulation showed that mechanical drying and 2 t/batch reduced the minimum selling price of neem oil from 53.8 to 16.5 USD/L. However, production costs in Colombia remain higher than those reported for neem oil from India, primarily due to differences in labor, infrastructure, and processing efficiency. Nevertheless, the bioinsecticide based on oil neem could become economically feasible in Colombia and depending on the formulation and agricultural scenario, its cost could very between 33.3 and 3.5 USD/L. According to our knowledge, this is the first reported chemical and economical study to produce oil and bioinsecticide neem in Latin America.