Chemical fertiliser use is climbing in Bhilwara, but farmers and gardening enthusiasts there are heading in the opposite direction, back to organic methods. At the centre of that shift is cow dung manure, prepared at home from cow or buffalo dung at almost no cost. It boosts soil fertility and speeds up plant growth, which is why it now shows up everywhere from open fields to kitchen gardens, potted plants and fruit trees.
Why farmers are returning to an old method
Years of relying on chemical fertiliser have started showing their downside, worn out soil health and steadily rising costs. Those two problems are pushing growers back toward traditional options like cow dung manure. The biggest draw is that it needs no major investment; it can be made entirely from things already available at home.
How to prepare cow dung manure at home
Start by digging a pit or setting up a large plastic drum. Mix in fresh cow dung along with dry leaves, straw, grass and organic kitchen waste, and blend it well. Sprinkle a little water over the mixture to keep it moist. It is important to keep plastic, glass or any chemical waste completely out of the mix. Turning the pile with a shovel from time to time keeps air circulating through it, which helps it decompose faster and more evenly.
How to tell the manure is ready
The mixture usually takes 45 to 60 days to fully decompose into good quality organic manure. Three simple signs tell you it is ready, the colour turns dark brown or black, the smell disappears entirely, and it starts giving off a mild, earthy scent. After that, dry it in the shade for a few days and store it in a safe place. From there it can be used as needed on fields, vegetables, flowers or potted plants.
What farming and gardening gain from it
Regular use of cow dung manure improves the soil's ability to hold water, keeping moisture available for longer. It also keeps beneficial microbes active in the soil, which strengthens plant roots. Stronger roots directly improve both crop quality and yield. Another major benefit is that lower dependence on chemical fertiliser brings down overall farming costs. That is exactly why farmers practising organic agriculture continue to treat cow dung manure as one of their most trusted resources.
