Peat is the world standard and is not available here, so ICAR-DMR lists substitutes: well decomposed farmyard manure, preferably two years old; two-year-old spent mushroom compost; composted coir pith; and mixtures of these in stated proportions. In Haryana and Punjab burnt rice husk is used along with decomposed farmyard manure. The farmer folder's seasonal mix is two-year-old farmyard manure and loam soil in equal parts.
Quality is specified rather than assumed. ICAR-DMR asks for a neutral pH of 7.0 to 7.5 and low electrical conductivity, in the range of 400 to 600 micromho.