In Farrukhabad, a small village has become the center of an agricultural innovation that promises a greener and more productive future. Raghvendra Singh Rathore, a farmer from Tajpur village, has developed an organic liquid fertilizer that works as both a fungicide and a nutrient booster. This inexpensive, sustainable solution has shown remarkable results in potato farming, even under extreme heat conditions.
How the Miracle Tonic is Made
The organic liquid fertilizer is simple to prepare using readily available materials. Here’s the recipe Raghvendra uses:
- Base Ingredients:
- 100 liters of water in a 200-liter drum.
- 10 liters of buttermilk.
- 1 liter of filtered cow dung juice from indigenous cows.
- 10 liters of cow urine.
- Additives for Enhanced Nutrition:
- 2 kg gram flour (besan).
- 5 kg jaggery (or molasses).
- 500 grams salt.
- Copper and iron components (e.g., a piece of copper and an iron nail or rod).
- Fertilizer Boost:
- 3 kg urea.
- 5 kg diammonium phosphate (DAP).
- Fermentation Process:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly and allow them to ferment for 15 days.
- Stir the mixture daily to maintain aeration and encourage microbial activity.
- Application:
- Dilute 2 liters of the prepared solution in 16 liters of water for spraying.
- Apply it four times during the crop’s lifecycle for optimal results.
Impact on Potato Farming
Raghvendra applied this tonic across four acres of his 45-acre farm, and the results were astounding:
- Resilience Against Heat: Despite scorching summer conditions, the potato plants thrived with lush green vines.
- Increased Yield: The treated fields displayed higher tuber formation, with improved size and quality.
- Cost-Efficiency: The tonic is significantly cheaper than chemical alternatives, reducing input costs while maintaining soil fertility.
- Enhanced Soil Health: Regular application improved the soil’s organic matter and nutrient retention capacity.
Scaling the Innovation
Encouraged by his success, Raghvendra plans to expand the use of this tonic to all 30 acres of his potato fields in the next season. He has also started educating neighboring farmers on the benefits of organic practices, emphasizing how this tonic can be prepared and used at minimal cost.
Raghvendra Singh’s organic liquid fertilizer showcases the power of innovation rooted in traditional practices. By combining natural ingredients with modern farming needs, he has provided a sustainable solution to increase yield, improve soil health, and combat the challenges of climate stress. This method could revolutionize potato farming and inspire similar innovations for other crops.
