Panchagavya is a traditional organic farming input made from five products derived from cows. The procedure for making panchagavya is as follows:
1. Collect the five ingredients: Cow dung, cow urine, cow milk, cow curd, and cow ghee. These ingredients should be sourced from indigenous cows that are well cared for and fed a natural diet.
2. Mix the cow dung and cow urine in a large container. The ratio of cow dung to cow urine should be 1:3. Stir the mixture well and let it ferment for 3-4 days in a warm, dark place.
3. After 3-4 days, add cow milk, cow curd, and cow ghee to the fermented mixture. The ratio of cow dung to cow urine to cow milk to cow curd to cow ghee should be 1:3:2:2:1. Mix all the ingredients well.
4. Let the mixture ferment for another 15-20 days, stirring it every day. The panchagavya is ready when it has a sweet, sour, and slightly pungent smell.
5. Filter the panchagavya through a cloth to remove any solid particles. Store the liquid in a dark, cool place in an airtight container.
6. To use panchagavya as a fertilizer, dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10 and spray it on plants. It can also be used as a foliar spray or soil drench to improve plant growth and health.
7. Panchagavya can also be used as a natural pesticide and fungicide by spraying it on plants to prevent pest infestations and diseases.
8. Regular use of panchagavya in farming practices can improve soil fertility, increase crop yield, and promote overall plant health.
- Collect the ingredients from a healthy cow that is not receiving any medications or antibiotics.
2. Preparation of the Container:
- Clean a plastic or earthenware container thoroughly. - Place the container in a shaded and well-ventilated area.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
- Pour the cow's urine into the container. - Add the cow's dung and stir well to make a slurry. - Gradually add the cow's milk and curd, stirring continuously. - Finally, add the cow's ghee and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
4. Fermentation:
- Cover the container with a wooden plank or cloth and secure it with a weight. - Allow the mixture to ferment in the shaded area for 15-20 days. - Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure anaerobic fermentation.
5. Sieving:
- After fermentation, sieve the mixture to remove any lumps or impurities. - The resulting liquid is known as Panchagavya.
6. Storage:
- Store the Panchagavya in a cool and dark place in an air-tight container. - Panchagavya can be stored for up to 6 months without losing its effectiveness.
Usage:
- Panchagavya can be diluted in water (1 part Panchagavya to 10 parts water) and used as a soil amendment, foliar spray, or animal feed supplement. - It can also be applied to human body as a tonic or ointment for various ailments.