Introduction
Hello, nature lovers! Are you passionate about organic farming? If yes, then you’ve probably heard about Panchagavya. In this guide, we’ll explore what Panchagavya is, how to prepare it at home, its application methods, and the many benefits it offers—both for crops and daily life.
What is Panchagavya?
The word Panchagavya comes from Sanskrit, meaning five products of the cow. It is an ancient Indian organic formulation that boosts plant growth and immunity. Traditionally, it is prepared using:
Cow dung
Cow urine
Cow milk
Curd
Ghee
To enhance fermentation and effectiveness, tender coconut water, jaggery, and ripe bananas are also added. Panchagavya is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic principles and continues to be a cornerstone of natural farming.
How to Make Panchagavya (TNAU Method)
Ingredients
7 kg Cow dung
1 litre Cow ghee
10 litres Cow urine
10 litres Water
3 litres Cow milk
2 litres Curd
3 litres Tender coconut water
3 kg Jaggery
12 well-ripened bananas
Preparation Steps
Mix 7 kg cow dung with 1 litre ghee and keep aside for 3 days.
Add 10 litres cow urine + 10 litres water. Ferment for 15 days, stirring morning and evening.
After 15 days, add:
3 litres cow milk
2 litres curd
3 litres tender coconut water
3 kg jaggery
12 ripe bananas
Keep the mixture in a mud pot, concrete tank, or plastic can. Store in shade, stirring twice daily.
After 30 days, your Panchagavya stock solution is ready. It can be stored for up to 1 year.
Notes
Always use products from desi (native) cows, not buffaloes.
Keep the solution covered with a mesh/net to prevent flies and maggots.
Stirring twice daily ensures proper fermentation.
How to Apply Panchagavya to Plants
Foliar Spray
Use 3% solution (3 litres Panchagavya in 100 litres water).
Spray on leaves using sprayers (filter sediments to avoid clogging).
Irrigation Flow System
Mix Panchagavya with irrigation water (50 litres/ha).
Can be applied through drip or flow irrigation.
Seed/Seedling Treatment
Soak seeds/seedlings in 3% solution for 20 minutes.
Rhizomes (turmeric, ginger) and sugarcane setts: soak for 30 minutes.
Seed Storage
Dip seeds in 3% solution, dry, and store safely.
Effects of Panchagavya on Plants
Leaves: Larger size, dense canopy, better photosynthesis.
Stem: More branches, stronger shoots, better fruit-bearing capacity.
Roots: Profuse root growth, deep penetration, efficient nutrient uptake.
Yield: Higher yields, earlier harvest (by ~15 days), better taste and shelf life.
Drought Resistance: Forms a protective film on leaves, reduces water loss, and cuts irrigation needs by 30%.
Crop-Specific Benefits
| Crop | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Mango | More flowering, uniform fruiting, extended shelf life (12 days), rich aroma & flavor. |
| Acid Lime | Year-round flowering, juicy fruits, aroma, shelf life (10 days). |
| Guava | Better sugar-acid balance, shelf life (7–10 days). |
| Banana | Uniform ripening, earlier harvesting, even-sized fruits. |
| Turmeric | 22% yield increase, higher curcumin, long fingers, natural pest reduction. |
| Jasmine | Strong fragrance, continuous flowering, reduced pests. |
| Vegetables | Up to 18% higher yield, shiny skin, strong flavor, extended shelf life. |
Other Benefits of Panchagavya
Soil Fertility: Enriches soil microbes and nutrients.
Skincare: Milk and curd help retain skin moisture; antibacterial properties cleanse skin.
Home Cleaning: Cow urine + turmeric acts as a natural disinfectant.
Spiritual Use: Considered sacred in rituals, associated with purity and Goddess Lakshmi.
Conclusion
In a world moving towards chemical farming, Panchagavya offers a natural, eco-friendly alternative. It boosts plant health, improves yields, and also benefits soil, skin, home, and spiritual practices. By adopting Panchagavya, we move closer to sustainable farming and a healthier lifestyle.