Authors: Harish M N, A A Raut, S R K Singh and Sanjana Shrivastava
Abstract: In recent decades, the indiscriminate use of natural resources in Indian agriculture has resulted in environmental, social, and economic challenges for the planet Earth. Natural farming has emerged as a beacon of hope in modern agriculture, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional farming practices. In recent years, the importance of natural farming has garnered widespread attention due to its potential to address pressing challenges. At its core, natural farming emphasizes working in tandem with nature’s rhythms rather than against them. By harnessing the inherent resilience and complexity of natural ecosystems, this approach seeks to nurture healthy soils, enhance biodiversity, and promote the well-being of farmers and communities.
Recognizing the significance of natural farming, ICAR initiated a nationwide project titled ‘Out-scaling of Natural Farming through KVKs, in 2022. In ATARI Zone-IX, the project is being implemented across 48 KVKs in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to promote and expand the adoption of natural farming practices via Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Within this initiative, the crucial components focused are promoting natural farming practices, capacity building for farmers, demonstrations and trials, scaling up, and knowledge sharing and documentation of natural farming practices.
View of Harmony in cultivation expanding the reach of natural farming practices (icar.org.in)
Authors: Rajesh T, Tushar Athare, S K Roy, Pranav D Dhavale, Priyanka Bhalerao
Abstract: This article provides a precise explanation of the necessity of natural farming. Over time, advancements in farming technology have addressed the immediate needs of hunger and poverty. However, the long-term repercussions on the environment and humanity are not favourable. Hence, there is a growing recognition for a more sustainable and ecological lifestyle, commonly referred to as natural farming. The increasing global popularity of natural farming can be attributed to its numerous environmental and social benefits.
By using less chemical pesticides and fertilizers, soil and water pollution is reduced, biodiversity is preserved, and the effects of climate change are mitigated. Realizing the potential of natural farming, some countries, including India, have recently taken steps to promote its adoption. Natural farming has several advantages, yet there are still barriers to its widespread adoption.
View of Journey of natural farming The pathway towards sustainable agriculture (icar.org.in)
Authors:Ashu Chandel, Rakesh Kumar, S Vishnu Shankar, Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Rakesh Kumar Gupta & Pramod Kumar
Abstract: Himachal Pradesh is the only state in India where the government has achieved significant progress in creating academic programs and procedures to implement natural farming at the community level. Natural farming technique is a cutting-edge approach to agriculture that places a focus on sustainability and traditional methods. The technique uses little tillage, growing sequential legume and pulse crops, and utilizing local farm bio-resources. Additionally, it promotes the preservation of soil, water, and biodiversity resources. Concern over the negative environmental effects of conventional agricultural methods, such as the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss, has grown in recent years.
Natural farming promotes ecologically sustainable farming methods that are advantageous to farmers and the environment as a whole as a solution to these issues. This case study focuses on Shimla fruit growers who have demonstrated a high net return on adopting natural farming crop combinations over conventional farming including, apple + French bean + vegetables (`5,81,867) in rainy (kharif) season and apple + pea (`2,2042.2), apple + pulses + vegetables (`21,926.4) and apple + pea + vegetables (`20,140.3) in winter (rabi) season over conventional farming.
View of Natural farming: A socio-ecological approach for sustainable livelihood (icar.org.in)
Authors: Inderveer Singh & Shilpa Kaushal
Abstract: Now a days, sustainable agriculture is major concern of the world, all leading agricultural countries like China, India, USA, etc are working together in several organizations such as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), The Global Goals, World Food Organization to overcome the problem of food security and environmental health in upcoming years to meet the food demand goal in 2050 in a sustainable manner. Natural farming is amongst one of the ways to meet these demands. Natural farming mainly works on minimum inputs with minimum effect to environment and soil.
Now, Indian farmers are also getting attracted towards natural farming as it does not require any kind of certification and also causes minor reduction in yield as compared to organic farming. Jasbir Singh is a farmer from Haryana who is practicing natural farming since 2015, and is getting better results from natural farming. According to him natural farming is the best way to enhance the economic condition of farmers, sustain the resources and to protect the environment from the problems we currently face and those that will arise in the future.
View of Natural farming: A success story of progressive farmer (icar.org.in)
Authors: Ranjit Kumar, Sanjiv Kumar, BS Yashavanth, Nakeertha Venu, PC Meena, A Dhandapani and Alok Kumar
Abstract: The “Green Revolution” (GR) technology-induced agricultural intensification has transformed India from food scarcity to a food surplus country. However, this has also resulted into several adverse repercussions. Increased application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with stagnating/declining crop productivity has dovetailed with uncertain market conditions and climate change effects which has resulted in un-remunerative agriculture. Consequently, farmers have fallen into the debt trap due to the rising cost of crop production apart from health hazards due to serious exposure to harmful chemical pesticides. Natural Farming (NF), an agro-ecological approach to farming is believed to be an effective way to counter some of these challenges. The present paper presents field-level farmers’ experiences of NF adoption in three states of India—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
The study was conducted during February–March 2019 by surveying 295 NF adopted and 170 non-NF adopted farmers. It was found that NF practice has been followed by some farmers for more than 10 years but others have adopted during the recent past. There is variation in the practice followed by the NF farmers. There are farmers who are using Farm Yard Manure (FYM). A solid form of jeevamritha (liquid concoction of microbial inoculants) called as ghanajeevamritha was also found to be used by farmers in Andhra Pradesh. It was observed that non-NF yields are superior to NF yield without FYM. In most crops, however, NF with FYM had a greater yield than NF without FYM and non-NF farms. There has been a decrease in the variable cost and a marginal increase in the market price of NF produce. The study suggests that natural farming may be seen as one of the alternative practices which has potential to rejuvenate the agro-ecosystem, besides cost saving for the individual farmers
Authors: PRABHUDATTA MISHRA
Abstract: The Centre will facilitate more than 10 million farmers to adopt natural farming over the next three years. For this purpose, the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a detailed plan starting from increasing production of bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides to distribution network to ensure their availability.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/budget/natural-farming-gets-a-push-with-focus-on-assured-input-supplies/article66458833.ece
Authors: Centre for Science and Environment
Abstract: Market access for organic and natural produce in India continues to remain a big concern along with the challenge of transition to organic and natural farming CSE’s latest report highlights the possibilities and challenges related to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), retail food corporations, and state food programmes in helping farmers access the market Experts highlighted the need for coherence in certification and building trust among consumers, the importance of aggregation through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), value addition and shorter supply chains for better price realization, need for more support through government-led schemes for FPOs for working capital needs of FPOs
Market access is critical to upscale India’s organic and natural farming movement (cseindia.org)
Authors: Rohit Kumar Vashishat, Subhash Sharma, Rajeshwar Singh Chandel and Subhash Chander Verma
Abstract: Natural farming is a chemical-free farming approach. It is a diversified agricultural system based on agroecology that mixes crops, trees, and animals with functional biodiversity. Natural farming can also be helpful to revive the rural economy, which highly depends upon cash crops like vegetables crops. This article reveals that returns were high and cost was less in natural farming vegetable crop cultivation as compared to conventional farming.
Performance of vegetable crops under Natural farming | Indian Horticulture (icar.gov.in)
Authors: Centre for Science and Environment
Abstract: ‘Enabling Transition to Organic/Natural Farming’ A CSE-CSA joint training to build capacity of extension officials as master trainers in select north Indian states, Oct 11-14, 2022, Anil Agarwal Environment Training Institute, Nimli, Alwar, Rajasthan
A four-day on-campus residential training – ‘Enabling transition to organic/natural farming’ was held for mid-level agriculture extension officials from select districts of four states – Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. The training focused on the agroecological framework, pest and disease management, soil health and nutrient management, market linkages, climate connections, certifications, and seeds through classroom lectures, farmer field schools, and on-field exposure visits. The training was conducted along with the Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Hyderabad, as a technical partner to CSE.
Authors: Centre for Science and Environment.
Abstract: There is a growing recognition about the need to make organic and natural farming a mass movement in the country. The Central government is publicly talking about it. It is clear that the holistic and sustainable benefits of organic and natural farming do offer an opportunity.
But there is also the challenge of how to enable a scaled-up transition from chemical dependent practices. We know that so far, only about 2 per cent of the country’s net sown area (140 million hectare, or mha) is ‘organically’ farmed, and a mere 0.41 mha in eight states is under natural farming.
Authors: Priya Agarwal and Srajesh Gupta
Abstract: This discussion paper by the National Coalition for Natural Farming, Hyderabad, explores the various nutritional benefits that naturally grown foods provide when included in the daily dietinstead of the conventionally-grown foods that we widely consume now. In the paper, the term naturally grown foods is used to cover the various kinds of foods produced or cultivated through agricultural practices, eliminating chemical inputs for ease of understanding. The paper aims to provide an overview by summarizing some of the available research and studies on nutrition and health benefits from naturally grown foods. It also seeks to highlight the need for more extensive studies that can conclusively put forth the impact.
Author: Centre for Science and Environment
Overview: Organic and Natural Farming in India is still at a nascent stage. To scale them up and turn them into a mass movement, governments at the Centre and in states must take big steps.
Mainstreaming organic and Natural Farming will address the ecological and economic crises in Indian agriculture. Only by using farming methods that are sustainable in the long run will Indian agriculture, and India, become truly self-reliant.
https://www.cseindia.org/state-of-organic-and-natural-farming-in-india-10346
Authors: PP Javiya, RK Mathukia, SC Kaneria and W Rupareliya
Abstract: An experiment was conducted on medium black calcareous clayey soil at Junagadh (Gujarat) in rabi 2016–17 and 2017–18. Twelve treatments comprising Panchagavya as foliar spray @ 3% at 30,45 and 50 DAS, Jivamrit @ 50O L/ha with irrigation at sowing, 30,45 and 50 DAS, Banana sap as foliar spray @ 7% al30,45 and 60 DAs and Seaweed extract as foliar spray @ 3.5% at 30, 45 and 60 DAS were evaluated and supplemented with FYM 5 t/ha) in comparison to vermi compost 4 t/ha + FYM 6 t/ha + Bio fertilizers, FYM 24 t/ha, Control and 100% RDF (outside the organic plot) in randomized block design with three replications. The experimental results revealed that next to 100% RDF, application of FYM 24 t/ha and Panchagavya as foliar spray @ 3% at 30, 45 and 60 DAS + FYM 5 t/ha were found superior in respect of the growth parameters and yield attributes, along with higher grain yield (4148 and 3877 kg,/ha), straw yields (6383 and 5175 kg/ha) and application of vermicompost 4 t/ha + FYM 6 t/ha + Bio fertilizers enhanced grain protein.
https://www.chemijournal.com/archives/2019/vol7issue3/PartAZ/7-3-254-607.pdf
Author: Anusha L.
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2016–17 at the model organic farm of the Department of Organic Agriculture, CSK HPKV, Palampur, to study the effect of liquid organic manure, Jivamrit, on the productivity of wheat under the Zero Budget Natural Farming system. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments, comprising sole drenching of Jivamrit (at sowing – T1, at sowing + 30 DAS – T2, at sowing+30+45OAS-T3andatsowing+30+45+60DAs-T4), application of vermicompost@7.5 t/ha at sowing along with Jivamrit drenching (at sowing B – T5, at sowing + 30 DAS – T6, at sowing B + 30 + 45 DAs -T7 and at sowing + 30 + 45 + 60 DAS -T8) and sole application of vermicompost @ 7.5 t/ha – T9 and vermicompost @ 10 t/ha (check) – Tl0. Significantly higher grain yield was recorded in T8. 16.16, 8.99, 3.36 and 2.16 per cent higher grain yield was recorded in T8, T7, T4 and T3 over check, respectively. However, significantly higher net returns (72,389 and 172814 /ha) and net returns per rupee invested (2.88 and 2.76) was recorded in T3 and T4, respectively. Microbial studies revealed that significantly higher colony forming units (cfu) of bacteria 123.72 t 106l, fungi (17.31 x 103) and actinomycetes (3.55 x 102) per gram of soil sample were recorded in T8, better than rest of the treatments. Whereas higher soil organic carbon (1.44%1, available NPK (279, 38 and 206 kg/ha, respectively) was recorded in check, on par with T9, T5 and T6, after the harvest of crop.
Authors: B. Boraiah, N. Devakumar, S. Shubha and K.B. Palanna
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic liquid formulations on growth and yield of capsicum at Agricultural Research Station, Arsikere, and Karnataka, lndia. The experiment consisted of 12 treatment combinations, with three factors—Jivamrit (2 levels), cow urine (2 levels) and panchagavya (3 levels). Among different organic liquid formulations, application of Jivamrit recorded significantly higher fruit yield (32.26,39.55,5L.63,127.2O,100.28, 86.40, 50.05 q ha-1 at 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 DAT, respectively), N-fixers (23.86, 24.49 at 60 DAT and 16.79, L7.37 X 103 at harvest during kharif and summer, respectively) and P-solubilizer (27.90, 31.50 at 60 DAT and 26.68, 30.43 X 103 at harvest during kharif and summer respectively). Significantly higher fruit yield (30.76, 38.0, 48.52, ll7 .73,97 .L5,84.33, 48.44 q ha-1 at 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 DAT, respectively), N-fixers (23.18, 25.03 at 60 DAT and 16.48, 18.27 X 103 at harvest during kharif and summer, respectively) and P-solubilizer (28.91, 31.18 at 60 DAT and 27 .26,30.34 X 103 at harvest during kharif and summer, respectively) were recorded with the application of cow urine. Panchagavya 6 per cent spray recorded significantly higher fruit yield (30.25, 37.49, 48.97, 7\8.91, 96.L5,86.29,47.81 q ha-1 at 60,70,a0,90, 100, 110 and 120 DAT, respectively), N-fixers life (23.58, 25.59 at 60 DAT and 17.77, L7.78 x 103 at harvest during kharif and summer, respectively) and Psolubilizer (28.43, 33.04 at 60 DAT and 27.46,34.53 x 103 at harvest during kharif and summer, respectively).
Authors: Shaikh NF, Gachande BD
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in a cotton field, during 2010–13, to study the effect of various organic and inorganic inputs on non-rhizosphere mycoflora population and species diversity in cotton field. The mycoflora population and diversity were studied by using the serial dilution technique. It was found that the application of organic inputs like farmyard manure, Beejamrit and Jivamrit increases non-rhizosphere mycoflora population and species diversity. The application of inorganic inputs lowers the non-rhizosphere mycoflora population and species diversity. A total 27 mycoflora species were isolated and identified from the non-rhizosphere of the organic field and a total 23 mycoflora species from non-rhizosphere of the inorganic field. The isolated mycoflora species belonged to genera Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Cladosporium and Mucor, in both the organic and inorganic fields. Species like Alternaria brassicae, Chaetomium globosm, Trichoderma Koningii, Orechslera bicolar, Drechslera tetramera and Helminthosporium spp. are found in non-rhizosphere of organic field. Organic inputs contain essential soil nutrients and microbial load, which increases the mycoflora population, which in turn leads to better growth and production. Based on this, we can conclude that organic liquid manure can be used for increasing the microbial population and species diversity to achieve sustainable eco-friendly development.
Authors: Kartikey Kumar Gupta, Kamal Rai Aneja and Deepanshu Rana
Abstract: Cow dung is a cheaply and easily available bioresource. Many traditional uses of cow dung—such as burning it as fuel, using it as a mosquito repellent and as cleansing agent—are already known in India. Cow dung harbours a diverse group of microorganisms that is beneficial to humans due to its ability to produce a range of metabolites. Along with the production of novel chemicals, many cow dung microorganisms have shown a natural ability to increase soil fertility through phosphate solubilization. Nowadays, there is an increasing research interest in developing cow dung microorganisms for biofuel production and management of environmental pollutants. This review focuses on recent findings being made on cow dung that could be harnessed for usage in different areas, such as medicine, agriculture, and industry.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186%2Fs40643-016-0105-9
Authors: Shaikh NF, Gachande BD
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in a jowar (rabi) field during 2010–13 to study the effect of various liquid organic and inorganic inputs on the soil physico-chemical properties. Overall results showed that in the field where organic inputs were applied, there was a significantly minimum and maximum increase in soil properties like organic carbon (0.11 % to 0.34 %), phosphorus (6.62 kg/h to 15.16 kg/h), water-holding capacity (3.3 % to 8.5 %). There was a significant decrease in pH (0.79 to 1.23) and electrical conductivity (0.07 ms/cm to 0.36 ms/cm) of soil in the organic field compared to inorganic one. The potassium content was higher in both the fields. It was thus clear that the application of organic inputs significantly improved soil-nutrient properties, which increased fertility and productivity.
Authors: Savita Jandaik, Preeti Thakur, and Vikas Kumar
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine antifungal activity of three different concentrations (5, 10, and 15%) of cow urine against three fungal pathogens (Fusarium orysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and sclerotium rolfsii) isolated from infected plants of methi and bhindi that showed symptoms of damping off and wilting disease by poison food technique. The extent of growth of test fungi in plates poisoned with cow urine was lesser when compared with the control plates. Among these concentrations, cow urine at 15% was most effective. When the three fungal organisms were compared, maximum growth suppression was observed in Fusarium oxysporum l78.57yol at 15yo concentration of cow urine followed by Rhizoctonia solani l78.37yol and Sclerotium rolfsii (73.84%). Finally, we concluded that cow urine has antifungal activities. The nutritional effect of cow urine on plant growth was also tested with Trigonella foenum-graecum (Methi) and Abelmoschus esculentus (Bhindi) plants and the chlorophyll and protein content estimated. It was revealed from the study that cow urine caused inhibition in growth of all the three fungal pathogens. This demonstrated fungi-toxic potential of cow urine. The biochemical contents of both the plants increased when they were sprayed with cow urine. Therefore, it was proven that the use of cow urine provided a better alternative to synthetic chemicals, which are expensive and pose potential danger to farmers, marketers, consumers, and the environment. Cow urine can also be used as a bio pesticide.
Authors: Shaikh NF, Gachande BD
Abstract: An experiment was conducted in a wheat field during 2010–13 to study the effect of various liquid organic and inorganic inputs on rhizosphere mycoflora population and species diversity. The soil rhizosphere mycoflora population and diversity was studied using the serial dilution technique. Result showed that the application of organic liquid bio-boosters enhanced the rhizosphere mycoflora population and species diversity. A total of 30 mycoflora species were isolated and identified from the rhizosphere of the organic field and a total 24 species were studied from the inorganic field. The isolated mycoflora species belonged to genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Cladosporium in both the organic and inorganic fields. The Acremonium sp., Tichoderma pseudokoniBii, Glomus sp., Cladosporium herbarum and Curvularia lunata are found in rhizosphere of organic field. Overall result showed that organic bio-boosters increased the mycoflora diversity, which increased soil fertility.
Authors: P Uma Amareswari and P Sujathamma
Abstract: An experiment was conducted with French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris. L.), var. Anupam, a bush type variety, in a randomized split block design with twelve treatments and a control of four replications each to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio with organic farming at Kothavaripalli village, near CTM, Madanapalle, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India. T0 was kept as control -without any chemical or organic in puts, T1 with chemical fertilizers NPK @ 60 : 75 : 75 kg/ha,T2 – Vermicompost @ 8 t/ha, T3 – Jivamrit @ 2100 lts /ha, T4 – Panchagavya @ 3% as foliar spray, T5 -Straw mulch @ 10 t/ha (15 cm above soil), T6 – Chemical fertilizers NPK (100%) + Panchagavya, T7 -Vermicompost + Panchagavya (T2 + T4 ), T8 -Jivamrit + Panchagavya, T9 – Straw mulch + Panchagavya, T10 -Straw mulch + Chem. Ferti. NPK (100%) + Panchagavya, T11 -Straw mulch + Vermicompost + Panchagavya and T12 -Straw mulch + Jivamrit + Panchagavya. Application of vermicompost (8 t/ha) + Panchagavya (3%) resulted the highest cost-benefit ratio of 3.25 followed by T11 (3.22) and T12 (3.06). The cost-ben e fit ratio was found to be min i mum for control (1.74). The net profit from T11 was highest (` 1,92,416/-) followed by T12 (` 1,79,716/-) and T7 (`1,79,316/-). Both T7 and T11, which showed a higher cost-benefit ratio, indicated that vermicompost utilization along with other organic practices increased cost-benefit ratio and increased the net profit to the farmer.
Authors: Rangasamy Anandham, Nagaiah Premalatha, Hyeong Jin Jee, Hang Yeon Weon, Soon Wo Kwon, Ramasamy Krishnamoorthy, Pandiyan Indira Gandhi, Yong Ki Kim, Nellaiappan Olaganathan Gopal
Abstract: Traditional organic formulations are widely used as plant growth promoters; however, the knowledge on the microbial aspect of traditional organic formulations is still limited. The aim of this study was to illustrate the cultivable bacterial diversity of various traditional organic formulations and their potential for early plant growth promotion. The results of this study showed that bacterial diversity changes depend on the type and concentration of ingredients used in traditional organic formulations. A substantial increase in plant growth by the traditional organic formulations indicates the suitability of using these organic preparations in eco-friendly agriculture.
Authors: T. K. Radha D. L. N. Rao
Abstract: Indigenous formulations based on cow dung fermentation are commonly used in organic farming. Three biodynamic preparations, viz., Panchagavya (PG), BD500 and ‘Cow pat pit’ (CPP), showed high counts of lactobacilli (109 ml-1) and yeasts (104 ml-1). Actinomycetes were present only in CPP (104 ml-1) and absent in the other two. Seven bacterial isolates from these ferments were identified by a polyphasic approach: Bacillus safensis (PG1), Bacillus cereus (PG2, PG4 PG5), Bacillus subtilis (BD2) Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (BD3) and Bacillus licheniformis (CPP1). This is the first report of L. xylanilyticus and B. licheniformis in biodynamic preparations. Only three carbon sources—dextrose, sucrose and trehalose—out of 21 tested were utilized by all the bacteria. None could utilize arabinose, dulcitol, galactose, inositol, inulin, melibiose, raffinose, rhamnose and sorbitol. All the strains produced indole acetic acid (1.8–3.7 lg ml-1 culture filtrate) and ammonia. None could fix nitrogen; but all except B. safensis and B. licheniformis could solubilize phosphorous from insoluble tri-calcium phosphate. All the strains except L. xylaniliticus exhibited antagonism to the plant pathogen Rhizoctonia bataticola whereas none could inhibit Sclerotium rolfsi. In the greenhouse experiment in soil microcosms, bacterial inoculation significantly promoted the growth of maize; plant dry weight increased by *21 % due to inoculation with B. cereus (PG2). Results provide a basis for understanding the beneficial effects of biodynamic preparations and industrial deployment of the strains.
Authors: J Vallimayil and R Sekar
Abstract: Panchagavya is an organic product blended from five different cow products, commonly applied to crop plants in organic farming. It is used as foliar spray, in soil application and seed treatment. It can act as a growth promoter and immunity booster. Effects of the application of panchagavya in the form of seed treatment and foliar spray to Southern Sunnhemp Mosaic Virus infected sunnhemp plants were studied. Growth and biochemical parameters studied showed better growth in panchagavya-treated plants. Various concentrations from virus-infected plants were tested on cluster bean, a local lesion assay host for this virus. Panchagavya-treated plants showed lesser viral intensity than control. The effect of foliar spray of panchagavya on virus concentration in the local lesion host was also studied by inoculating the plants with the virus of different time intervals after foliar spray. A significant change in viral concentration was observed.
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.414.214&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Authors: Tharmaraj K, Ganesh P, Suresh Kumar R, Anandan A and Kolanjinathan K
Abstract: Panchagavya, a Vedic formulation for increased productivity, disease resistance in plants and potential of utilizing Panchagavya as biofertilizer was tested on various pulses Vigna radiate, Vigna mungo, Arachis hypogea, Cyanopsis tetragonoloba. Lablab purpureus, Cicer arietinum and the cereal Oryza sativa var. ponni by growing in soil amended with dried traditional and seaweed based Panchagavya. Experimental seedling recorded higher rates of linear growth of both shoots and roots as compared to controls and that too maximum growth was observed in seedling grown in soil amended with seaweed based Panchagavya at low concentration (1:100; Panchagavya; soil). A similar observation was made on the number of leaves produced, leaf area, number of root nodules formed in the pulses by rhizobia and increased the levels of all the enzymes. From the foregoing review, it can be concluded that plant growth substances present in Panchagavya help in bringing rapid changes in phenotypes of plants and improve the growth and the productivity of crops.
Authors: MN Sreenivasa, Nagaraj Naik and SN Bhat
Abstract: Use of Beejamrit, a mix of cow dung, cow urine, water, lime and a handful of soil, has been given importance in sustainable agriculture since olden days. It is also one such organic product helpful for plant growth. Beneficial microorganisms present in Beejamrit are known to protect the crop from harmful soil-borne and seed-borne pathogens. Bacteria were isolated from Beejamrit and tested for their beneficial traits. These isolates were capable of N2 fixation, Psolubilization and IAA, GA production in addition to suppression of Sclerotium. Among the free-living N2 -fixers, isolate Az B2 registered highest amount of N2 fixation (13.71 mg/g carbon source utilized) whereas BPS3 released maximum amount of Pi (8.15 per cent) among phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolated from Beejamrit . The isolate BJ5 was found to produce highest amount of IAA (11.36 µg/25ml) and GA (3.13µg/25ml). Inoculation of the bacterial isolates from Beejamrit also resulted in improvement in seed germination, seedling length and seed vigor in soybean. Among the treatments, seeds inoculated with BJ5 registered significantly higher seedling length and vigor index; these were markedly lowest in control. This study clearly brought out that Beejamrit contains not only general microflora, but also certain beneficial biochemical groups such as free-living N2-fixers, P- solubilizes and bacteria producing plant growth promoting substances as well as bacteria having biological deterrent activities. Presence of such beneficial microbial biomass and nutrient status might have resulted in improved seed Bermination, seedling length and seed vigor in soybean indicating Beejamrit as an efficient plant growth stimulant.
http://apzbnf.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Beejamrutha_A_source_for_beneficial_bacteria.pdf
Authors: Girima Nagda, Devendra Kumar Bhatt
Abstract: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of cow urine and combination of antioxidants against lindane-induced oxidative stress in Swiss mice. Male healthy mice, 8–10 weeks old, weighing 30 ± 5 g were randomly selected and divided into eight groups, namely, control (C); lindane (L); antioxidant (A), antioxidant+lindane (A+L), cow urine (U), cow urine+lindane (U+L), cow urine+antioxidants (U+A) and cow urine+antioxidants+lindane (U+A+L). Group C animals were administered only the vehicle (olive oil); doses selected for other treatments were: lindane: 40 mg/kg b.w.; antioxidants: 125 mg/kg b.w. (vitamin C: 50 mg/kg b.w., vitamin E: 50 mg/kg b.w., α-lipoic acid: 25 mg/kg b.w.) and cow urine: 0.25 ml/kg b.w. In group A+L and U+L antioxidants and cow urine were administered 1 h prior to lindane administration and in group U+A and U+A+L cow urine was administered 10 min before antioxidants. All treatments were administered orally continuously for 60 days. Lindane treated group showed increased lipid peroxidation, whereas glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, protein and endogenous levels of vitamin C and E were significantly decreased compared to control. Administration of cow urine and antioxidants alleviated the levels of these biochemical parameters.
Authors: Rahul Kumar, Kuldip Kumar, Vaishnavee Gupta, Amit Kumar, Triveni Shrivas, Kishu Tripathi
Abstract: Panchagavya is an incredible source for many medicinal substances. It has been reported for synergistic action but scientific data is not available. Sixty mice were randomly divided into ten groups. The first, second, third, fourth , fifth , sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth & tenth groups received PG 1, PG1+ EEAB 10%, PG1+ EEAB 50%, PG1+ EEAB 75%, PG2, PG2+ EEAB 10%, PG2+ EEAB 50%, PG2+ EEAB 75%, Standard Alprazolam, Control Urine every day administered at the dose 4ml/kg body weight regularly at 9:00 am for 21 days & investigated the role of different composition of Panchagavya and its ethanolic extract of Aloe barbedansis Mill (EEAB) (Xanthorrhoeceae) for synergistic anti-stress activity by using Tail Suspension Method in Swiss albino mice. On the 1st, 6th, 11th , 16th & 21th day after drug administration, effect of PG 1 , PG 2 , PG 1 + EEAB and PG 2 + EEAB were found to be significant at the level p
http://whitesscience.com/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2013/12/IJIBCS_2013_4_17-19.pdf