Panchagavya: Our ancestral magic potion: An input to organic farming

Abstract

The current agricultural system cannot feed the world's expanding population without endangering human health and the environment. There is a clear disparity between the ancient ancestral food production systems and the sustainable food production systems hidden behind so-called robust and modern farming practices. It is acknowledged that we must research the benefits of changing our ancestors' and traditions' farming methods. One of the formulas mentioned in the Vedas and Vrikshayurveda, Panchagavya has been used by several farmers throughout aeons. This review examines the presence of Panchagavya from historical literature, as well as its composition, properties, formulation methods, and agricultural applications. Research indicates that Panchagavya's composition and formulation technique are not consistent, resulting in variations in its features. Nevertheless, its application in agriculture has yielded positive outcomes. In order to validate the standardisation of Panchagavya's formulation process, characterization, authenticity, and application in agriculture worldwide, enormous scientific efforts are required. With its physical, chemical, and biological properties, this easy-to-form, inexpensive potion has great potential to restore degraded land and create a new, sustainable agro-ecosystem for our world as a byproduct of the production system.