Across India, and in the spirit of sustainable agriculture, farmers have long harnessed the power of organic concoctions to invigorate their crops. This exploration delves into a collection of these potent, homemade solutions, such as the comprehensive Dasagavya for plant immunity, the flowering-enhancing Coconut-Buttermilk solution, and even a unique Stem Paste for tree health. From boosting growth to warding off pests and enriching the very soil, these homemade organic preparations – like the nutrient-packed Jeevamrithum, the pest-repelling Fish Jaggery, or the seed-treating Beejamrithum – empower you to cultivate a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem right in your backyard or farm, all while embracing the principles of zero-budget spiritual farming.
Beejamrithum
An organic preparation for seed treatment in zero-budget spiritual farming. It consists of 5 kg cow dung from Deshi breeds, 5 liters cow urine, 50g lime, a handful of live soil, and 20 liters water. Cow dung is soaked in water for 12 hours, lime is prepared in a separate liter of water overnight, then the squeezed cow dung, lime water, soil, and cow urine are mixed. It’s used by smearing on seeds, rubbing well, and shade drying before sowing.
Jeevamrithum
An organic preparation that accelerates plant growth, available in liquid and solid forms. For the liquid form, ingredients are 10 kg cow dung, 10 liters cow urine, 2 kg black jaggery, 2 kg pulse flour (chickpea/green gram/black gram), 1 kg live soil (chemical-free), and 200 liters water. Cow dung is mixed with water, then jaggery and pulse flour, followed by cow urine and live soil. The mixture is covered with a jute bag and fermented for a week, stirred regularly every six hours for two days in a clockwise direction. It can be applied through drip systems or as a foliar spray (100 ml in 1 liter of water). 200 liters suffice for one acre.
Panchagavya
A growth promoter derived from five cow products and other bio-products, it provides micronutrients, enhances growth, repels insects, and increases disease resistance. Ingredients include 7 kg cow dung, 10 liters cow urine, 1 kg cow ghee, 3 liters cow milk, 2 liters cow curd, 3 liters tender coconut water, 3 kg jaggery, 12 ripe poovan bananas, and 10 liters water. The preparation involves mixing cow dung and ghee for 3 days, then adding urine and water for 15 days, followed by the remaining ingredients. It can be filtered to avoid sprayer clogging and should not include buffalo products.
Dasagavya
This is Panchagavya fortified with plant extracts, promoting growth and immunity in plants. The plant extracts are made by soaking the foliage of Azadiracta indica, Calotropis sp, Tephrosia purpurea, Vitex negundo, Datura metel, Jatropha curcass, Adathoda vasica and Pongamia pinnata in cow urine (1:1 ratio) for ten days. Filtered extracts (1 liter each) are then added to 5 liters of Panchagavya and stirred for 25 days. It’s filtered to prevent sprayer nozzle clogging and recommended as a foliar spray at 30 ml/liter of water. Soaking seeds or dipping seedling roots for 20 minutes enhances germination and root development. It can be stored for up to two months.
Amrut pani
This is a growth promoter suitable for all crops. It’s made from 10 kg cow dung, 500g honey, 250g ghee, and 200 liters of water. The cow dung, honey, and ghee are mixed into a paste, then diluted with water. It’s applied to the soil (1 acre) or mixed with irrigation water, with a second dose after 30 days. Planting materials can also be dipped in it.
Fish Jaggery mixture
This mixture acts as a growth-promoting hormone and a pest repellent, especially for rice bugs. It’s prepared by combining 1 kg of sliced sardine and 1 kg of jaggery in an airtight plastic jar, layering them and keeping it away from direct sunlight for 30-40 days. The resulting 1.5 liters of mixture can be stored for up to 3 months and used at 5-10 ml/liter of water as a growth promoter, or 15-20 ml/liter for rice bug control.
Fermented oil cake
Used to enhance soil microbes, improve soil health, and fertility. It’s made by fermenting 1 kg of oil cake (like neem or groundnut cake) in 10 liters of water. For enhanced insect repellence, 1 kg of neem cake can be added. After 10 days, 100 liters of water are added, and it’s applied to the field. Adding a small quantity of curd can speed up fermentation.
Egg extract
This is an organic preparation for vegetable crops that promotes plant growth and helps correct calcium deficiency. It is made using 8 eggs, 20 lemons, 250 grams of jaggery, and 1 liter of water. To prepare, 8 eggs are placed in a vessel, covered with juice squeezed from 20 lemons, and left for 10 days. After 10 days, the mixture is stirred, and then 250 grams of boiled and cooled jaggery are added. This final mixture is kept for another 10 days before use. The recommended application is 3 ml of the extract per liter of water as a spray.
Coconut-buttermilk solution
This solution enhances plant growth, induces flowering, repels insects, and increases resistance to fungal diseases. Ingredients are 5 liters buttermilk, 1 liter tender coconut water, 1-2 kg grated mature coconut, and 500 ml-1 liter fruit juice. The tender coconut water is mixed with buttermilk, then grated coconut and fruit (if not in juice form) are added and allowed to soak and ferment for seven days in a nylon bag. It’s used at 30-50 ml per liter of water for spraying or 5-10 liters per acre with irrigation water, with small quantities of grated coconut added each time.
Stem Paste
This paste provides nutrition to tree crops through the stem (cambium) and prevents attacks from stem borers, mealy bugs, and scales. It’s prepared by mixing 50 kg cattle dung, 25 liters cattle urine, 10 kg sieved sand, and 10 kg soil from the field to form a thick paste. It’s applied to a cleaned stem or branches and can also be used as a healing agent on pruning cuts.
Amirthakaraisal
his is an organic preparation designed to promote plant growth. It’s made by mixing 10 kg of fresh cow dung, 10 liters of cow urine, 1 kg of jaggery, and 100 liters of water. This mixture can be used for spraying or applied through irrigation water starting the day after preparation.