Panchagavya – the magic combination

Organic farming and its techniques are thankfully back in fashion. Unlike us city dwellers, lives of our forefathers were organic by default. They had many techniques and ways which made them lead their lives in harmony with nature. Panchagavya is one of them. Panchagavya’s benefits range from plants to humans to animals.

Panchagavya UsesPanchagavya in made from five products derived from the cow and its name- Panchagavya comes from the Sanskrit panch meaning five and gavya meaning cow. The main ingredients of Panchagavya are cow dung, cow urine, cow milk, cow curd, and cow ghee. But in an effort to improve the recipe and reduce the odour, water of tender coconut, bananas, toddy juice and sugarcane juice is added.

The uses of Panchgavya are many. In animals Panchagavya stimulates the production of antibodies hence building the immune system. In humans, it has been reported to increase appetite heal wounds and cure diseases like Psoriasis and white patches.

In this article I will discuss about the magical properties of Panchagavya for plants. Panchgavya has the following chemical composition:

  • Ph 6.02
  • EC 3.02
  • Calcium- 1000 ppm
  • Phosphorous- 4310 ppm
  • Nitrogen- 6650 ppm
  • Sodium 4310

Panchagavya primarily promotes growth in plants and increases their immunity. The effect of Panchagaya on different plant parts are as follows:Effect of Panchagavya

  1. Leafs:  Plants sprayed with Panchagavya produce bigger leaves; it also enhances the photosynthesis process.
  2. Stem: It improves branching, and helps in producing more off shoots, which are sturdier.
  3. Roots: Roots grow deeper, increasing the intake of nutrients and water. They also become denser and remain fresh for a longer time.
  4. Yield: It has been usually observed that when farms are converted from inorganic to organic, their yield reduces; Panchagavya ensures that the yield is restored after the conversion.
  5. Panchagavya also enhances the shelf life, aroma and taste of the produce.
  6. Reduction in water consumption: Panchagavya causes a thin layer of oil to form on the leaves and stems. This reduces water loss due to evaporation during the day. Also as Panchagavya cause the roots to grow longer, plants can withstand longer periods of dry. This way water consumption of the plant reduces by 30%.

Panchagavya also performs specific functions in relation to the particular plant. I have summarized the effect on a few popular Indian plants and trees:Banana treated with Panchagavya

  1. Mango: The aroma and the shelf life of the fruit increases. Also irregular bearing of fruit becomes regular.
  2. Banana: All bunches on a tree become regular in size. The harvest is also produced a month in advance.
  3. Turmeric: Yield increases, loss due to pests in significantly reduced.
  4. Paddy: The number of ear head per grain becomes around 300. Harvest is also advanced for about 15 days.
  5. Noticeably Panchagavya acts like a stimulant and pesticide for groundnut, jowar bajra, sugarcane, maize, sunflower, coconut, ragi and wheat.

The recommended dosage for Panchagavya on plants is 3% of the solution in water ie 3 litres of Panchagavya to every 100 litres of water, is the most appropriate proportion.

Frequency of use:

  • In the germination stage, soak seeds in 3% Panchagavya solution overnight for best results
  • Before flowering- once in 15 days (two sprays)
  • Flowering stage- once in 10 days (two sprays)
  • Fruit bearing stage- once

Panchagavya is usually available at special organic garden stores and at GreenMyLife. Use it and share your experience with us.

Written by Uttara Garg for GreenMyLife