Question

What is Jeevamrutha?

• A. A new anti-malarial drug
• B. Magazine for farmers
• C. A mixture used in Zero Budget Natural Farming
• D. New government scheme for livestock

Hint:

Remember the four key pillars of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):
1. Jeevamrutha (soil microbial inoculant)
2. Bijamrita (seed treatment)
3. Acchadana (mulching)
4. Whapasa (soil aeration/moisture)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a set of agricultural practices focused on chemical-free farming.
This method promotes the use of natural inputs prepared from local resources, primarily cow dung and cow urine.
Jeevamrutha is one of the four pillars of ZBNF, along with Bijamrita, Acchadana, and Whapasa.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Jeevamrutha is a fermented microbial culture that acts as a catalytic agent in the soil.
Instead of directly adding nutrients to the soil, it stimulates the activity of beneficial microorganisms and earthworms.
To prepare Jeevamrutha, specific ingredients are mixed in a container:
- Water (approximately $200\text{ liters}$)
- Fresh local cow dung ($10\text{ kg}$)
- Aged cow urine ($5\text{ to } 10\text{ liters}$)
- Jaggery or sugarcane juice ($2\text{ kg}$)
- Pulse flour, such as chickpea or pigeon pea ($2\text{ kg}$)
- A handful of undisturbed soil from the field bunds
This mixture is fermented in the shade for a few days while being stirred regularly.
During fermentation, the beneficial microbes present in the cow dung and soil multiply rapidly, utilizing jaggery and pulse flour as nutrients.
When applied to the field, this liquid culture restores soil fertility, enhances nutrient availability, and improves crop health.
Other options are incorrect because:
- It is not associated with pharmaceuticals or malaria treatment.
- It is not a periodical publication or farmer magazine.
- It is not a government financial assistance scheme for livestock management.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Jeevamrutha is a fermented organic microbial mixture used in Zero Budget Natural Farming.