For every farmer in Bihar preparing for the Rabi season, a successful harvest begins with a healthy seed. In this guide, we'll explore the preparation and application of Beejamrut, a traditional organic seed treatment. By following these simple steps, you can protect your young seedlings from harmful soil-borne diseases, improve germination rates, and give your crops a robust start, all without using expensive chemical fungicides.
Best Season & Crop Suitability
- Best time to apply: Just before sowing the seeds, primarily during the Rabi (for Wheat, Lentils, Gram) and Kharif (for Paddy) sowing seasons.
- Ideal for crops like: Wheat (Gehu), Paddy (Dhan), Lentils (Masoor), Gram (Chana), Maize (Makka), and all types of vegetable seeds.
- Soil Type: Effective for seeds sown in all soil types, as it creates a protective microbial layer around the seed itself.
Materials and Tools Required
Before you get started, gather the following:
- A 20-liter bucket
- 5 kg of fresh, local cow dung (desi cow is preferred)
- 5 liters of cow urine (Gomutra)
- 50 grams of edible lime (chuna)
- A handful of soil from the bund of your own field
- A thin cloth and a stick for stirring
Step 1: Preparing the Microbial Slurry
The first step is to create a potent liquid culture. The cow dung and urine provide a rich source of beneficial microbes, which act as a protective shield against harmful fungi and bacteria present in the soil, preventing diseases like root rot in the early stages.
Fig 1: Soaking the cow dung pouch is the first step in extracting beneficial microbes.
Take the 5 kg of fresh cow dung and wrap it in the thin cloth to create a pouch (potli). Suspend this pouch in the bucket containing 15 liters of water. Let it soak overnight, or for at least 12 hours. This allows the beneficial microbes from the dung to seep into the water.
Step 2: Activating and Applying the Treatment
The final ingredients stabilize the solution and enhance its protective properties. Edible lime acts as an anti-bacterial agent, while your own field soil introduces native microbes that are already adapted to your farm's environment. After this, the Beejamrut is applied to the seeds.
Fig 2: Gently rub the solution to ensure an even coating on every seed.
The next morning, squeeze the dung pouch firmly into the liquid 3-4 times to extract its essence, then remove it. Now, add 5 liters of cow urine, 50 grams of edible lime, and the handful of field soil to the liquid. Stir well. To apply, spread your seeds on a clean floor or sheet. Sprinkle the Beejamrut over them and gently rub with your hands until each seed has a thin, even coating. Let the seeds dry in the shade for 30 minutes before sowing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Drying seeds in direct sunlight: This is the most common mistake and will kill the beneficial microbes on the seed coating, making the treatment useless.
- Using too much liquid: The goal is to coat the seeds, not soak them. Soaking can cause the seeds to rot or sprout prematurely.
- Storing treated seeds: Beejamrut-treated seeds are biologically active and should be sown within 24 hours for the best results.
- Rubbing seeds too harshly: A gentle rubbing action is sufficient. Being too aggressive can damage the seed's outer layer (seed coat).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much Beejamrut is needed for treating seeds?
The 20-liter solution prepared is generally sufficient to treat up to 100 kg of grain seeds (like wheat or paddy). For smaller vegetable seeds, a much smaller quantity is needed.
Can I use this for transplanting seedlings?
Absolutely. You can dip the roots of seedlings (like tomato, brinjal, or chilli) in the Beejamrut solution for a few minutes before transplanting them. This helps reduce transplant shock and protects against root diseases.
What if I don’t have edible lime (chuna)?
The lime serves an important anti-fungal role. While the solution will still be beneficial without it, it is highly recommended to include it for full effectiveness against diseases.
Conclusion
By adopting Beejamrut seed treatment, you are taking a crucial first step in organic and sustainable agriculture. It is a zero-budget method to ensure higher germination rates and healthier, disease-free seedlings, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest and reducing your input costs from the very beginning.
What are your favorite organic farming techniques? Share your experiences and questions in the comments section below!
Explore More: Learn How to Prepare Jeevamrut to Nourish Your Soil
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