Jholmal is a homemade biofertilizer and biopesticide that helps improve crop yields while lowering costs for farmers and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. It is prepared by mixing and fermenting locally available material – animal urine, water, microorganisms, farmyard manure, and plants – in a defined ratio. It controls insect pests which attack and damage crops, protects crops against fungal and vector borne diseases, and supports improved plant health. In villages where its use was demonstrated, all households were convinced to adopt it. While Jholmal is based on a local traditional practice, CEAPRED and ICIMOD are exploring the possibilities, through extensive research, to enhance its usage and recommend crop specific mixtures and usages.
