The Role of Livestock in Natural Farming

In natural farming, cattle are not just animals to be maintained—they are essential partners in the farming system. The dung and urine of indigenous cows form the basis of all major bio-formulations that make natural farming work.

Why Livestock is Essential

The Dung-Urine Foundation

Every key natural farming preparation requires cow dung and urine:

• Jeevamrit: The primary soil enrichment formula
• Beejamrit: Seed treatment solution
• Ghanjeevamrit: Solid bio-formulation for storage
• Panchagavya: Growth promoter
• Pest control preparations: Neemastra, Agniastra

The Power of Indigenous Breeds

Indigenous (desi) cow breeds are preferred because:

• Their dung contains higher microbial diversity
• Urine has greater beneficial properties
• They are adapted to local conditions
• They require less intensive management

One desi cow is sufficient for 30 acres of natural farming.

Benefits of Cattle Integration

Nutrient Cycling

Cattle close the nutrient loop on the farm:

• They consume crop residues and fodder
• They return nutrients through dung and urine
• This cycling reduces the need for external inputs

Carbon Conservation

When cattle graze Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) crops:

• 90% less carbon is lost compared to tilling crops into soil
• Nutrients are efficiently processed through animals
• Biomass becomes high-quality manure

Additional Income

Cattle provide:

• Milk for household and sale
• Calves for breeding or sale
• Draft power for field operations

Setting Up for Livestock Integration

Cow Shed Modifications

To efficiently collect dung and urine:

• Create sloped floors that channel urine to collection tanks
• Set up separate collection for dung
• Ensure adequate shade and ventilation
• Provide clean water access

Fodder Planning

Include fodder crops in your farm plan:

• Border rows of fodder grasses
• Intercrop fodder legumes
• Use PMDS crops for grazing
• Maintain tree fodder (Gliricidia, Leucaena)

Storage Facilities

Set up for bio-formulation preparation:

• Large drums or tanks for Jeevamrit
• Covered space for fermentation
• Storage for dry Ghanjeevamrit
• Spraying equipment

Alternatives When Cattle Are Unavailable

Buffalo

Buffalo dung and urine can substitute for cow products, though indigenous cow is preferred.

Goats

Goat dung can be used in smaller quantities. Collect from local goat herds.

Community Gaushala

Many villages have community cow shelters. Farmers can source dung and urine from these facilities.

Sharing Arrangements

Neighboring farmers with cattle may provide dung and urine in exchange for fodder or other products.

Integration with Micro-Irrigation

Innovative farmers have developed systems to apply bio-formulations through irrigation:

• Collection tanks within gaushala
• Filtration chambers to remove solids
• Mixing systems for dilution
• Distribution through drip or flood irrigation

This reduces labor significantly while ensuring consistent application.

Water and Energy Savings

Studies from Andhra Pradesh show natural farming with livestock integration requires:

• 50-60% less water than conventional farming
• Significantly less electricity (reduced pumping for irrigation)
• Lower overall cultivation costs

Getting Started

1. If you have cattle: Modify your setup for efficient collection
2. If you don't: Arrange access through neighbors or community
3. Plan fodder production: Integrate fodder into your cropping system
4. Start bio-formulation preparation: Master Jeevamrit first
5. Build gradually: One cow, well-managed, is enough for a large farm

The integration of livestock transforms natural farming from a set of techniques into a complete, cycling system. Animals provide the biological inputs that replace chemicals, while crops provide food for both humans and animals. This is farming as it was meant to be—interconnected, sustainable, and regenerative.