Insect pests affect plants, animals and humans. Chemical pesticides are often used indiscriminately to control these pests. But most of these pesticides are toxic and non biodegradable and have adverse effects on the environment by polluting soil and water and affecting health. Therefore, there is a need to develop suitable plant-based pesticides.

Conservation of Deo-rahati (sacred groves) in India has ancient roots from Vedic period. Even in modern days ethnic groups conserve religiously preserved forest patches through their customs, taboos and local festivals associated with the deities. Therefore, these forest pockets serve the vital function of conserving biological diversity and natural water streams.