Panchagavya: A Multidimensional Review Article through the Lens of an Agriculture Scholar

Abstract

Traditional agriculture has been generally considered everywhere as a joint effort of man and cattle. In recent past, a great deal of importance has been given to individual animal product and formulation. Among the liquid formulations, the most widely used is Panchagavya. This traditional organic input has been mentioned in Ayurveda, prepared by using five components derived from cow viz. milk, curd, ghee, urine, dung and all these five products are individually called 'Gavya' and collectively termed as 'Panchagavya' [1]. Besides these five components, enriched panchagavya also contains some additional components like coconut water, sugarcane juice or jaggery, banana and toddy. Coconut water is a cheaper substitute for kinetin which helps in increasing the chlorophyll content of rice. It plays a crucial role in each and every component of crop management like integrated nutrient management [2], integrated pest management disease management. Panchagavya also has a great impact on human and animal health. It holds an important place in Ayurvedic medicine due to its disease curing properties. Ancient Indian scriptures such as Bhel Sanhita, Kashyap Sanhita, Charak Sanhita, Sushrut Sanhita hail about the glory of the mixture of cow’s five essences- the panchagavya. It is believed that consumption of panchagavya results in removal of physical as well as mental disorders and acts as an enhancer of physical strength and life span.