Jeevamrithum is a natural, low-cost bio-input widely used by farmers practicing natural and organic farming in India. It is a fermented mixture made from locally available materials like cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, soil, and water. Jeevamrithum helps increase beneficial microorganisms in the soil, improves soil fertility, and supports healthy crop growth. It does not directly feed the plant but makes nutrients in the soil easily available to crops.
To prepare jeevamrithum, farmers should first choose a clean container. An earthen pot, plastic drum, or cement tank can be used. Metal containers should be avoided because they may affect microbial activity. The container size can vary depending on the required quantity, but a common preparation is for 200 liters.
For 200 liters of jeevamrithum, take about 10 kg of fresh desi cow dung and 5 to 10 liters of cow urine. Indigenous cow dung is preferred because it contains a higher number of beneficial microorganisms. Add 2 kg of jaggery, which acts as food for microbes, and 2 kg of pulse flour such as gram flour, black gram flour, or any locally available pulse flour. Pulse flour provides protein and energy for microbial multiplication. Finally, add a handful of fertile soil from the farm bund or near tree roots, as this introduces native microorganisms into the mixture.
Add all these ingredients into the container and fill it with clean water up to 200 liters. Stir the mixture thoroughly using a wooden stick. After mixing, keep the container in a shaded place. Do not cover it tightly; allow some air circulation, as fermentation needs oxygen. Stir the mixture two to three times a day, preferably in the morning and evening, in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction. Regular stirring helps increase microbial activity and prevents bad odor.
Jeevamrithum is usually ready within 3 to 5 days in warm weather. In colder conditions, it may take up to 7 days. The solution will develop a mild fermented smell, which indicates that it is ready for use. It is best to use jeevamrithum within 7 days, as microbial activity is highest during this period.
Jeevamrithum can be applied to crops in different ways. It can be applied through irrigation water in the field, used as soil drenching near the root zone, or sprayed on the soil surface. It is generally not recommended for direct foliar spraying on leaves. Farmers commonly apply it once every 15 to 30 days, depending on crop type and soil condition.
Using jeevamrithum regularly improves soil structure, increases earthworm activity, enhances nutrient availability, and supports long-term soil health. It also reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and lowers cultivation cost. With simple preparation and proper use, jeevamrithum becomes a powerful tool for sustainable and natural farming.
