PRAYAGRAJ: Throwing a potential challenge to chemical-based pesticides, a Manikpur (Chitrakoot) based gaushala has developed a natural and biological pesticide from sheer bovine blessings, or cow’s urine, dung, neem leaves and jaggery. Called “Gau Amritam”, it is all set to hit the markets across UP this week.
Volunteers associated with the Gau-Raksha vibhag of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) are taking up mass production of Gau Amritam at many gaushalas in Bundelkhand, Kashi, and many regions to maintain the fertility and purity of the soil.
Abhishek Bajpai, convener and associated with mass production of Gau Amritam at Abhay Gausala, Manikpur told TOI that, “For the production of 200 litres of natural pesticide (gau-amritam), we are using 20 litres of Gaumutra (cow urine), five kg cow dung, 5 kg leaves of neem and five kg Gur (jaggery)”.
He further added, “This Gau amritam not only helps to increase the productivity of the soil but also a plant growth enhancer”. The product has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. He also claimed that this Gau Amritam will not harm earthworms who increase the productivity of the soil.
“Often, chemical-based pesticides not only kill earthworms but also prove harmful for human beings due to the chemical substances in it,” said Bajpai. “This cow urine and dung based pesticide will also increase the productivity of the soil,” he added.
The VHP based gaushalas, after the production of disinfectants (cow urine-based phenyl) and cow dung based cakes ( Gomaykhand for puja and yajna purposes), have worked on the production of pesticides with the help of cow urine, dung and neem.
Interestingly, the Gau Raksha wing of the VHP has also interacted with thousands of farmers at the village and blocks level, holding meetings across the state and briefing them about the efficacy and value of “Gau Amritam”.
After accessing the response, the gaushalas plan to open outlets in many parts of the state to sell natural and biological pesticides. “We have also chalked out plans to promote ‘Gau Amritam’ at the forthcoming Magh Mela to be held on the banks of Ganga January next year,” said Rakesh Shukla.
