Innovative Farmer from Uttar Pradesh Creates Organic Fertilizer from Cow Dung and Urine
Introduction to Organic Farming Innovation
In Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, a local farmer has developed an organic fertilizer using cow dung and urine, which can effectively support farming on 35 bighas (approximately six acres) of land. This innovative approach has garnered significant attention, and Gurmeet Singh, the 35-year-old farmer behind this initiative, is in line for a state-level award. Gurmeet hails from a farming family in Rasoolpur village.
Successful Farming with Organic Fertilizer
For the past five years, Gurmeet Singh has been cultivating sugarcane using this organic fertilizer. He has also applied it to various other crops, resulting in improved yields. With this fertilizer, he is successfully growing wheat, rice, and a variety of vegetables.
Easy Preparation of Chemical-Free Fertilizer
Gurmeet explained that this fertilizer is simple to prepare and can lead to substantial agricultural output. According to him, the dung and urine from one indigenous cow can support farming on up to 25 acres. For one acre, 10 kilograms of dung and 5 kilograms of urine are required.
Fertilizer Preparation Process
To create the fertilizer, a mixture of dung and urine is combined with three kilograms of jaggery and two kilograms of gram flour. This mixture is then placed under a banyan tree with two kilograms of soil and 200 liters of water. In summer, the fertilizer takes about 15 days to prepare, while in winter, it may take 30 to 40 days. Once ready, it can be easily applied during irrigation, allowing for a gradual release of nutrients. Neem and cannabis are sprinkled on the crops to protect them from pests.
Community Impact and Awareness
Gurmeet Singh emphasized the importance of not abandoning non-milking cows, as they can still provide valuable resources. He noted that farmers could profit by collecting and selling cow dung and urine. As word spreads about his fertilizer, more people are visiting him to learn about the preparation process.
Recognition at the Jaggery Festival
A two-day state-level jaggery festival is set to take place in Lucknow on February 27, where Gurmeet Singh's khandsari unit has been selected to represent the district. Ravindra Kumar Singh, the khandsari inspector, shared that this is the first time a jaggery producer from the district has been chosen for a state-level event.