Sonali Harinkhere, Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Soil Science, 
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.) INDIA
Dr. Subuhi Nishad, Programme Officer NSS (Girls Unit),
 College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur (C.G.) INDIA

Cow urine, commonly referred to as Gomutra, holds a significant place in traditional agriculture and medicine, especially in India. Revered since Vedic times, cow urine is celebrated not only for its medicinal, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and germicidal properties but also for its vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity. Known by ancient names such as Amritha (the elixir of life) and Sanjivani (life-giving), cow urine has been documented in various ancient Indian scriptures for its ability to improve plant growth and soil health. The unique composition of cow urine is what makes it such a valuable resource for sustainable agriculture. It primarily consists of about 95% water and 2.5% urea, while the remaining 2.5% includes a complex blend of minerals, enzymes, hormones, and bioactive compounds. These constituents include essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, sulphur, and sodium, along with organic compounds like lactose, cytokines, amino acids, uric acid, and carbonic acid. This rich nutrient profile supports soil fertility by supplying both macro and micronutrients necessary for plant development, while the enzymes and hormones help stimulate microbial activity in the soil, which in turn improves nutrient cycling and plant health. Beyond its role as a nutrient source, cow urine exhibits remarkable prophylactic and disinfectant properties, making it a natural bio-pesticide. Its antimicrobial and germicidal attributes help in managing pests and diseases without the harmful effects associated with chemical pesticides, thereby promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. Traditional agricultural preparations such as Panchagavya a mixture of cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee have been widely used for centuries to enhance crop growth and health. This organic combination is known to improve soil structure, nutrient availability, and pest resistance, offering a low-cost alternative to synthetic inputs. Farmers have leveraged such traditional knowledge alongside modern farming methods to create integrated nutrient management systems that are both cost-effective and ecologically sustainable.


In recent years, the integration of cow urine with inorganic fertilizers has gained renewed interest as a pragmatic approach to address the challenges faced by modern agriculture. Rising costs of chemical fertilizers, soil degradation due to overuse of synthetic inputs, and the urgent need for sustainable farming solutions have prompted researchers and farmers alike to explore this hybrid method. Cow urine, rich in nitrogen and essential micronutrients, complements inorganic fertilizers by enhancing nutrient use efficiency and boosting soil microbial activity. This synergy not only reduces the total quantity of chemical fertilizers required but also improves crop yields and soil health. Furthermore, this integrated approach aligns well with various government-supported initiatives such as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and organic farming missions at state levels, which advocate for reduced chemical usage and promote organic inputs. Farmers across regions like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka have successfully adopted formulations like Jeevamrut and Panchagavya, combining cow urine with inorganic fertilizers to achieve sustainable productivity gains. Despite its benefits, the adoption of cow urine in farming practices faces challenges, including lack of standardization, limited awareness among farmers, storage and handling difficulties, and skepticism about traditional methods. Therefore, promoting awareness and providing technical guidance on the collection, storage, and application of cow urine, as well as informing farmers about related government schemes, are crucial steps to increase its usage.


The integrated use of cow urine with inorganic fertilizers demonstrated significant potential in enhancing crop yield, improving soil health, and increasing farmer’s income. Field data and farmer feedback showed that applying cow urine-rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients alongside chemical fertilizers improved nutrient use efficiency and crop performance. According to a study by Singh et al. (2019), the combined use of cow urine and urea resulted in a 15-20% increase in wheat yield compared to the use of urea alone. Similarly, research by Patil et al. (2020) on vegetable crops found that integrated nutrient management using cow urine reduced chemical input costs by up to 25% while maintaining or improving yield levels. Farmers in the present study reported better plant growth, improved pest resistance, and higher-quality produce when cow urine was applied as a foliar spray or mixed with irrigation water. The practice also enhanced soil microbial activity, supporting findings by Kumar and Yadav (2018), who observed improved soil fertility and biological activity with the use of organic amendments like cow urine. Though initial adoption faced challenges due to odour and lack of knowledge, training and demonstration sessions led to increased acceptance. Most farmers expressed willingness to continue using this low-cost, eco-friendly method. Overall, these findings reinforce that integrating cow urine with inorganic fertilizers can be an effective strategy to reduce input costs, sustain soil health, and boost farm income, aligning with broader goals of sustainable agriculture.