Agniastra is a traditional organic pesticide used in Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), particularly in India. The name “Agni” means fire, and “Astra” means weapon — symbolizing its strong, fiery action against pests.
What is Agniastra?
Agniastra is a natural pest repellent made using cow-based and plant-based ingredients. It is primarily effective against chewing and sucking insects, such as:
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Borers
- Whiteflies
- Mealybugs
Common Ingredients:
- Cow urine – 5 liters
- Cow dung – 2 kg
- Tobacco leaves – 500 grams
- Neem leaves – 500 grams
- Green chili – 500 grams
- Garlic – 250 grams
- Local alcohol or fermented jaggery solution – optional (for better extraction)
How to Prepare Agniastra (Basic Method):
- Crush the neem, tobacco, chili, and garlic into a coarse paste.
- Mix all ingredients into cow urine and let it ferment for 2–4 days, stirring daily.
- Filter the mixture through a cloth or sieve.
How to Use:
- Dilution: Mix 200–300 ml of Agniastra in 10 liters of water.
- Application: Spray on the crop once every 10–15 days, especially during pest-prone seasons.
Benefits:
- Completely natural and biodegradable.
- Safe for beneficial insects like bees and earthworms.
- Very low cost compared to chemical pesticides.
Kris Food Forest 
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