Scientific validation of Vedic bio-inputs (Agnihotra and Panchagavya) for sustainable agro-ecology: A systematic review

Abstract

Modern agriculture faces several challenges, including heavy reliance on chemicals which has sparked a global search for sustainable, affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Traditional Vedic bio-inputs, such as Agnihotra and Panchagavya, have a lot of potential, but previous studies confirming their effectiveness have been dispersed, regional and non-standardised. To fill this crucial gap, this paper synthesises empirical studies through a systematic review that complies with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. An extensive systematic Scopus and Google Scholar (2000–25) search and careful screening procedure resulted in 63 academic sources, that met the inclusion criteria. The combination of these empirical studies leads to the realisation of two different but complementary results. Agnihotra is a physicochemical soil conditioner which theoretically neutralises soil acidity, e.g. increases phosphorus (P) pH levels to 7.2; improves the bioavailability of vital nutrients, e.g. soluble P; and supports a one-hundred-fold growth in populations of vegetable-beneficial microbes. In contrast, Panchagavya is a biological bio-stimulant that inoculates the soil with positive microbes, Lactobacillus and provides growth-stimulating phytohormones, including indole-acetic acid (IAA), which produces stable and quantifiable effects on germination, growth and yield in a wide range of crops. The systematic review indicates that the effectiveness of these Vedic bio-inputs is anchored in a strong and growing body of literature. This study presents the idea of a techno-traditional system that combines these tested and low-cost inputs with modern precision technologies, including internet of things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) and is designed to create scalable, climate-resistant and self-sufficient agroecological systems.