ROLE OF COW IN AGRICULTURE

Transcription

1 1 ROLE OF COW IN AGRICULTURE R. K. Pathak and R. A. Ram ICAR- Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, Lucknow, Lucknow Introduction Indiscriminate use of chemicals over 4 decades had adversely affected soil fertility, crop productivity, produce quality and also the environment. These degenerative effects of intensive agriculture had compelled to think for alternative and sustainable system of agriculture. As a result, a number of alternative farming systems viz; "Organic", "Ecological", "Natural", "Biodynamic", "Rishi Krishi", Panchgavya, "Homa Farming" had emerged in different parts of India. In these systems, maximum reliance is placed on self-regulatory agro-ecosystem, locally or on farm derived renewable resources. Critical review of different organic systems revealed that "Cows" play an important role in all these organic farming systems. In fact, cow had been associated with our culture since ancient times. By products obtained from cow i.e. Bullock, dung, urine, milk, curd, ghee, horn and even bones all are useful and have been associated with Indian culture. It is because of these attributes, cows have been regarded as most sacred creature on the earth and it is claimed that rearing of cow brings prosperity in the family and known as "Kamadhenu". Authors have over 15 year's experience of working with "Biodynamic Agriculture". The present article deals with role of Cow in different organic production systems including Biodynamic, prevalent in the country. I. Biodynamic Farming: The term biodynamic is taken from Greek words bios meaning life and dynamics meaning energy. Biodynamic refers to working with energies, which create and maintain life. In the system, energies from cosmos, mother earth, cow and plants are systematically and synergistically harnessed. It is based on the knowledge of soil, plants, animals and men work together in one agricultural cycle. In the system, cow play a key role wherein Cows horn is used for preparation of two basic BD preparations (BD-500, BD- 501), Cow dung and Cow urine in preparation of Cow Pat Pit (CPP), Tree Paste/Cow dung paste, Biodynamic liquid manure and pesticides. These preparations are capable of meeting the nutritional and also pest and disease problem. Hence the role of Cow is one of the key features in biodynamic cultivation. The following preparations from cow are used in biodynamic agriculture. Biodynamic preparations Basically there are two types of biodynamic preparation: A. Biodynamic Compost Preparations (BD ) B. Biodynamic Field Sprays (BD )

2 Biodynamic Field Sprays (BD ) These are the fundamental biodynamic field spray preparations. BD 500 (Horn Manure): Cow horns filled with fresh dung from lactating cow are buried in fertile soil (Fig.1). Horns are buried in descending moon during autumn (October-November) for incubation till whole winter. It is taken out in March-April during descending moon period and used or stored in earthen pots at dark and cool place. Solution is prepared by thorough dissolving 25-30g in 13.5 litres of water for an hour. This is spread over an acre of land in the evening of descending moon before sowing (Fig.2). BD 501 (Horn Silica Manure): Preparation 501 is prepared in ascending period of moon by filling cow horn with "mealy" silica powder paste and buried in spring (March/April) after taking out BD 500 during March-April (Fig.3). After 6 months, the preparation is ready for use. Solution is prepared by dissolving one gram in 13.5 litres of water and sprayed on the crop in the form of "mist" before sunrise during ascending period of moon and the best constellation is Moon opposite to Saturn. BD 501 works on the photosynthetic activity improves produce quality and brings immunity against diseases and encourages the development of fruit and seeds. For maximum effect, the BD 501 should be applied once at the beginning of a plant's life (at the four-leaf stage) and again at the flowering stage or fruit maturation stage. Due to enhancement of photosynthesis, starch, sugars and cellulose synthesis improves, which results in improvement in quality and storage life of produce. Cow Pat Pit (CPP): It is a biodynamic field preparation also called as "soil shampoo". Cow Pat Pit (CPP) is a strong soil conditioner. It enhances seed germination, promotes success in cuttings and grafting, improves soil texture, provides resistance power to the plants against pest and disease replenishes and rectifies the trace elements deficiencies. CPP is used to improve soil fertility before sowing, seed/seedling treatment and foliar applications. CPP can be prepared throughout the year (Fig.4). Depending upon the weather and temperature, preparation will be ready to use in days approximately. Soaking kg of CPP in litres of water overnight and sprinkling on one acre of land before showing, improves germination and health of the soil. Biodynamic Tree Paste Biodynamic Tree Paste is prepared by mixing of cow dung, bentonite (clay) and sand in equal ratio and thoroughly mixed. 25g of BD- 500 stirred for one hour in 13.5 litres of water poured in the mixture. Paste is prepared by mixing of required quantity of water. Small amount of paste is taken in the plastic bucket diluted with water to thick solution and pasted on the tree trunk with help of brush/broom. CISH has developed new technology for the 2

3 control of gummosis in mango that only fresh cow dung can be pasted on the tree trunk to control the disease. Similar to tree paste, cow dung paste also has shown promising response in controlling Lasiodiplodia theobromae, which is responsible for die back in mango. The important properties of the biodynamic tree paste are as follows: It nourishes, strengthens and protects the bark and cambium of tree to make it healthy. Seals and heals wounds. Helpful in prevention and control of disease like gummosis and dieback. Pasting after pruning, stimulates tree growth. In rejuvenation of mango orchard, copper oxychloride pasting is very expensive. Pasting with the above paste on tree trunk and cut surfaces, alone has shown better response compared with copper oxychloride pasting. BD Manures/pesticides Liquid manures are prepared using different materials i.e. fish wastes, seaweeds, leaves of medicinal and poisonous plants. Liquid manures are used for the different purposes based upon the quality and composition. On an average, preparation of liquid manure takes 8-12 weeks time (Fig. 5). One litre of liquid manure dissolved in 4-5 litters of water is used as foliar spray. Those prepared with Azadirachta, Pongamia, Dhatura, Thevetia, Ipomea, Calotropis etc leaves have insecticidal and fungicidal properties. 2. Panchgavya farming: It is a special preparation made from five bi-products of cow along with certain other ingredients incubated for specific duration in an earthen or wide mouth plastic container. Its ingredients, preparation technique and effects on various plants, animals and human beings have been successfully evaluated by a medical practitioner, Dr. Natrajan of Erode district in Tamilnadu. Now Tamilnadu Agricultural University and state government are popularising it on number of crops. Brief account of this is enumerated below (Table 1.). Table 1. Ingredients for preparation of Panchgavya Sl. No. Ingredients Quantity 1. Fresh cow dung slurry 4 Kg. 2. Fresh cow dung 1 Kg. 3. Cow's urine 3 Litres 4. Cow's milk 3 Litres 5. Cow's curd 3 Litres 6. Cow's ghee 3 Kg. 3

4 7. Tender coconut water 3 Litres 8. Number of ripen bananas 12 Procedure: Mix thoroughly Fresh Cow dung, slurry and Cow ghee Incubate for two days Add cow urine + 10 litres of water Stir properly in morning and evening Incubate for 15 days Cow milk + Cow curd + Coconut water Incubate for 2 weeks Fig.6 Flow sheet for preparation of Panchgavya Coconut water-accelerates the fermentation process and also accelerates the growth of meristem at faster rate. Recommended dosages: In general, 3 per cent solution has been found most effective. It is advisable to filter the mixture with muslin cloth and spray on the crop with high volume sprayer. Flow system: Panchgavya can be mixed with irrigation 50 litres/ha either through drips or with flood irrigation. Seed/ Seedling treatment: Three per cent solution of Panchgavya can be used to soak the seeds/seedlings before sowing/transplanting for 20 minutes. Rhizomes of turmeric/ginger, banana and potato tuber, and sugarcane cuttings can be soaked for 30 minutes before planting. Seed storage: Three per cent Panchgavya solution can be used to treat the seeds before drying and storage. Periodicity of application: Pre-flower and fruit setting stage Fruit/ pod maturation stage Once in 15 days, Two sprays depending upon duration of crops. Once during fruit/ pod maturation Panchgavga has been successfully tried in fruits like mango, guava, acid lime, banana, spices like turmeric, flowers jasmine, vegetables- brinjal, paddy and drumstick etc. In all 4

5 these crops, it has shown spectacular response. 3. Homa Farming (Agnihotra Therapy Farming): Homa farming is a totally revealed science. Since ancient time Agnihotra was regularly performed to purify the atmosphere. It is basic of Homa a yagna is the technical term describing the process of purification of the house and atmosphere through fire, which is tuned to rhythm of nature. Radiation effects of astrological combinations and "Mantras" leads to better capture of cosmic energies from Sun and Moon and it helps reset the energy cycle of the Planet in natural harmony benefiting all concerns. The basic process used in Homa farming is Agnihotra. A copper pyramid shape container is used in the process. A brief description is given below. Material required Pyramid: Copper pyramid, which has capacity of capturing all the electricity s, energies, and ethers. At the sunset, these energies are thrust out in the same shape. Rice: Brown and unbroken. Cow ghee: It is a very special medicinal substance. When used in Agnihotra fire, it acts as carrier agent for subtle energies. Powerful energy is captured in this material. When cow ghee is burned with rice it produces oxygen, Etholine oxide, propylene oxide, and Formaldehyde, which brings immunity against bacteria, Propylene oxide induces rain. Therefore, sacrifice done with cow ghee purifies atmosphere and induces rain. Dried cow dung cake: Patties of fresh cow dung is prepared and dried in sun. Agnihotra fire is prepared from dried patties of cow dung. Cow dung has been found to be rich in actinomycetes and treated as medicine in all ancient cultures from India to North or South America, Scandinavians, East or West Europeans or Asians. Technique to prepare Agnihotra fire: Place a flat piece of dried Cow dung cake at the bottom of copper pyramid. Arrange pieces of cow dung, in such a manner to allow free passage of air. Apply a little ghee to small piece of cake, light it and insert in the pyramid (Fig. 7). Soon all the patties catch the fire. One can also use hand fan to blow air and help to flame. Do not use any mineral oil or blow through mouth. Take a few grains of rice in a dish of left palm and apply few drops of pure cow ghee on it thoroughly. Exactly at sunset and sunrise utter the Agnihotra mantra and after the word swaha add a few grains of rice coated with ghee (pinch which holds in the fingers of right hand) to the fire. The practice should be initiated with sunset followed in morning and repeated at sunset and rise at the farm or at home. The mantras are: Sunset 5

6 Sunrise Agnaye Swaha, Agnaye Idam Na Mama (add the first portion of rice) Prajapataya Swaha, Prajapataya Idam Na Mama (add second pinch of rice) Sooryaya Swaha, Sooryaya Idam Na Mama (add first pinch of rice) Prajapataya Swaha, Prajapataya Idam Na Mama (add second pinch of rice) Strict adherence to time (sunset and rise) and sitting for few minutes at least till the fire extinguishes, is essential. Agnihotra creates medicinal and healing atmosphere. Just before the next Agnihotra, collect the holy ash and keep it in a glass or earthen container. The act of singing special vibrations where Agnihotra copper pyramid fire burns create a resonance effect which, invigorates the cells of plants, and human beings leading to better reproductive cycles. Agnihotra ash could produce disinfectant, anticoagulant and tissue contracting effects on living matter has been now well established. Uses of ash: 200g ash ml Cow urine Incubate for 25 days Dilute 4-5 times for treatment of seed/ seedling soaking and spray on plants for pest and disease management 4. Rishi Krishi: This technology is being promoted by large number of farmers under the leaderships of Mr. Desh Pandey in Maharashtra. In this system following aids are used to maintain soil fertility and crop productivity. Angara: Bhumi Sanskar is being performed to make the soil fertile, wherein, 15 kg soil of rhizosphere of banayan tree "Vatavriksh" (Ficus bengalensis) is broadcasted over an acre of land. Amrit Pani: It is prepared from cow dung, honey and cow ghee as summarized below. Sl. No. Ingredients Quality 1. Cow dung 10 kg. 2. Cow ghee 250 g 3. Honey 500 g Preparation: Ten kg of fresh cow dung is stirred for 2 hours with 250g Cow ghee and after proper mixing add 500g honey and mixed thoroughly for 4 hours. This preparation is known as Amrit Pani. This mixture is diluted with 200 litres of water and used for number of 6

7 operations such as. Bhumi Sanskar: Mixture is sprayed on prepared field ready for sowing/ transplanting. Five hundred litres of Amrit Pani is sufficient for one hectare area. Beej Sanskar (Seed treatment): Soak seed in amrit pani and dry under shade before sowing. For hard coat seed, soak the seed in Go Mutra before treating with Amrit Pani. Vanaspati Sankar: Vanaspati Sanskar is done for maintaining crop health and higher yields, wherein 10 litres of Go mutra of indigenous cow is mixed with two litre of neem oil and 200 litres of water. This mixture is sprinkled on one hectare of land. Strategies Rearing of cow need to be promoted in villages and cities to promote Jaivik Krishi. Indian breed of cows, which have hump is supposed to capture more cosmic energies, hence these need to be protected and promoted in every region of the country. Besides milk, (a health tonic) role of other bi-products i.e. dung, urine etc. also need to be documented and promoted. Intensive training programme need to be organized on various aspects to use cow bi-products in production system. Various organic production systems need to be evaluated to assess their efficacy. There is need to assess the possibility of integrating different organic production systems in order to obtain full potentialities. There is need to prepare package of practice for different crops being grown in different agro-climatic conditions. Mass awareness campaign is required to convey the message for the consumption of Jaivik produced commodities. There is need to help growers for certification, post harvest handling, value addition and domestic and overseas marketing. 7