India has largely been an agrarian economy and has millions of people dependent on farming and its allied activities for a living. The technological advancements, globalization, and international trade have all further increased the need to have more farm produce in the country.
As the demand increased, so did the greed to produce and sell more. In this attempt to get instant results and produce more, many farmers gave up the traditional methods of farming and agriculture that was passed on to generations for over 5,000 years. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides replaced organic and natural insecticides, Indian breed farm animals were replaced with high-milk yielding hybrid ones, natural crop seeds were replaced with genetically modified or GMO seeds to have an increased produce. Everything was hunky dorky, but the charm of the artificial soon started to fade as people realized that these modified – hybrid varieties do more harm than good to both the farm land and the consumer.
Our ancestors practised agriculture in the same land for over 2,000 years in a pest-free farm without a drop of produce, as they had indigenous means of addressing the farming issues. But, when the switch occurred, the chemicals in the pesticides and fertilizers started inducing harm on the farm land and there was a decline in the quality of the soil as well as the produce. This is the reason why most farmers are seeking to make a switch and go back to the basics.
There is an increase in the demand for organic pesticides, but very little knowledge on the sources to obtain the same. Not many farmers are aware of the fact that the Desi Indian cow has many valuable properties that makes even its waste as a useful pesticide.
Cow Urine
Cattle urine is a powerful and natural pesticide as it can effectively reduce the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on human beings. Urine of the Gir cow is also rich in sulphur, zinc, potassium, copper and iron, all of which have been proven to increase resistance to diseases when applied to the foliage of plants. What's more? It also serves as a urea supplement to the plants. This makes it the most healthy and economical pesticide alternative to the farmer.
Cow urine and Neem
A mixture of fermented cow urine and Neem leaf extract can be used as an organic pesticide. This mixture can be sprayed on the crops in place of the chemical pesticides and fertilizers. The urine of the Gir breed of cows from Gujarat is most preferred for this method as the milk and urine of the Indian Gir cow is said to have more medicinal and insecticidal properties.
Cow dung as a bio-fertilizer
Cows dung is an important and ancient source of bio-fertilizer, which works as an effective alternative to the chemical fertilizers, as it enhances productivity in the long run by increasing soil health. Pure breed Indian cow's dung is also said to enhance the microbial population in the soil which further increases the soil organic matter content and water infiltration.
Apart from enhancing productivity, cow dung also minimizes the chances bacterial and fungal pathogenic diseases.
Dung as an Insect Repellent and a Disinfectant
Cow dung and urine possess various degrading substances, which are high on antibacterial properties that make it an effective choice to use an insect repellent or a pesticide alternative.
Cow's horn and body
Everything from the Indian Cow's horn to its dead body can be used for preparing effective bio-fertilizer as the animals are fed on rich local resources such as pasture, crop residues, fodder trees, and shrubs, and have a healthy rearing, everything about the cow can be used to increase the fertility of the soil.
For protecting stored grains
A mixture of cow dung, clay, and Neem can be used to make bins for storage of grains, as this mix has high pest resistant properties. It is important to ensure that pest control is exercised in every stage of the crop as post-harvest losses are notoriously high in developing countries as the grains are not stored properly.
All the benefits can be reaped better if the cow is a healthy and pure breed animal rather than one that is genetically modified, hybrid animal, which itself is vulnerable to many diseases. Therefore it is important for farmers to ensure that they use organic pesticides that are made from products that are derived out of the Desi breeds like the Indian Gir cow.