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Vermin compost has been emerging as an important source in Supplementing/ substituting chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Besides higher concentration of available nutrients (macro, secondary and micro) than the ordinary FYM, it has also been reported to enhance plants ability to fight against insect pests and diseases. It also improves soil structure due to presence of soil binding chemicals. It also improves physical properties of the soil like soil air, soil temperature, soil water retention and soil mechanical impedance. Due to non-presence of toxic enzymes it is also eco-friendly and it also has beneficial effect on the bio chemical activities of the soil.

Although preliminary research findings on vermi-composting technology were available but its proper testing and verification and adoption /popularization at farmers fields under varied Agro-eco situations were lacking. The beginning in this regard was made when few progressive farmers/FIG Leaders of the district went to MANAGE Hyderabad for short term training-cum-exposure visit under ATMA. Two innovative farmers namely Shri Krishan Kumar from Lambagaon and Shri Amar Singh from Sunehar village brought samples of vermi casting and tried successfully at their respective places under the guidance of KVK and BTTs. It was also the outcome of technical knowledge, they acquired at MANAGE Hyderabad that their Units were established successfully. The exposure visit of other interested FIGs/WIGs of blocks of district under ATMA were also conducted on the above sites and thus this activity was started in the district with great enthusiasm/ interest among the farming community.

Intervention and process:                                                                  Back to Top

                 In the 1st year Four Farmer's awareness camps on vermi composting and its benefits were organized and Four demonstration units were established by KVK Kangra, BTT, FIG (Veg.), FIG (Dairy), FIG (Crop) and polyhouse owners under ATMA. Technical Trainings also organized for extension officers of different line departments, field functionaries, NGOs and FIG leaders in which 25 participants took part.

The improved race of Red American Verms(Accinia fetide) tested under different AESs was found suitable. The race was then multiplied at KVK, Kangra and also at the field of FIG leader Sh.Gurdev Singh of Dehrian village in Dehra block of the district for large scale production, popularization and adoption by other FIGs/WIGs under the technical guidance of respective BTTs in the district. Technical knowledge regarding low cost unit on flat well leveled and well drained peace of land having dimension of 3mx1.5m in shade to avoid direct sunlight with application of water every day in summer and on alternate days in rainy and winter season was provided with the precautions not to use polythene chemical fertilizers/sprayers and leaves of eucalyptus was standardized and popularized for large scale adoption by farmers/ FIGs. In this way fine quality vermin compost is prepared in 4-6 weeks duration.KVK Kangra in collaboration with the Scientists of SAU and Zonal Research Station took up the task to verify the race and standardized scientific method for establishing low cost units for large-scale adoption at farmers fields. In the 2nd (2002) years this activity was replicated in more than 50 FIGs Agriculture & Horticulture thereby covering more than 510 farmers. Presently this intervention has been introduced successfully in 115 FIGs/WIGs, thereby benefiting more than 1200 farmers and farm women of the district representing different blocks and agro eco situations of the district.

Benefits                                                                                               Back to Top  

With the fast dissemination of this technology by KVK and BTTs under ATMA, initially only 4 FIGs have established their units successfully but in the subsequent years with the increased awareness among farmers there was a great demand of vermi-culture which was fulfilled by KVK and leading FIGs. Different line departments, NGOs have also initiated work on vermi-composting under the guidance of KVK Kangra and ATMA. Nursery growers, poly-house owners, vegetable growers and kitchen gardeners have also adopted this technology on a large scale. The farmers are getting good quality produce by adding ample quantity of the vermi compost and are also earning good amount by selling vermi culture to other FIGs/WIGs members.

Lesson Learned                                                                                  Back to Top  

      There has always been a problem of disposal of the household biodegradable waste. The waste left unused is thrown anywhere. This pollutes the environment causes unhealthy environment. In order to tackle this problem, the organic waste including kitchen refuse may be from city/ town/ countryside can be judiciously put to beneficial use by utilizing it as raw material for vermi-composting efficiently with high nutrient status. On the other hand succulent weeds which otherwise compete with crops can also be used for vermi-composting. Some weeds like Lantana, Eupatorium also have insecticidal/ properties and can help reducing the risks of insect attacks to crops in which vermi-compost prepared from these weeds is added

Replication Process                                                                         Back to Top

               IInitially, beginning was made with 4 units in the district but at present more than 115 viable vermin composting units of FIGs/WIGs are existing with the concerted efforts of ATMA and its stake holders on sustainable basis under the technical guidance of KVK/BTTs. Shri Gurdev Singh, progressive farmer from Dehrian has sold about 200 Kg vermi culture to different farmers of the district and across the district during the year 2003 and earned a profit of Rs. 15000-20000 apart from huge quantity of vermi compost which was applied in orchards/crops and harvested bumper crop thereby increasing his farm income significantly.Likewise, Shri Krishan Kumar from Lambagaon has earned more than 50000/- by selling vermin casting as well as vermin compost. In addition to this, many more farmers are earning handsome economic returns from this newly emerged enterprise. Many vegetable growers and poly house owners in the district are regularly using vermin compost for raising vegetables and vegetable nurseries and are getting remunerative returns and others farmers are keen to replicate this activity in their fields on a large scale.

Case Study                                                                                                        Back to Top

 Initiation:

• Innovative farmers sponsored by ATMA to MANAGE Hyderabad for exposure visit cum training were instrumental to start this activity.

•  Innovative farmers after getting training & brought vermi culture and established unit at their respective places.

• Awareness camps cum trainings were organized by KVK &BTT and farmers showed their keen interest to adopt this intervention.

Current Situation:

•    This activity has been spreaded in 115 FIGs/WIGs successfully.

• Innovative farmers/Nodal vermi compost unit leaders are disseminating this technology in the adjoining areas by forming the FIG vermi compost and also supplying vermi culture at nominal rates to them.

•  Ample quantity of vermi compost is available with some of the establilshed units and they are selling it at nominal price to the polyhouse owners, vegetable growers ,kitchen gardeners, orchardist and also outside the State.

• Regular trainings, exposure visits and demonstrations and are being conducted with follow up action for fast spread of this technology on sustainable basis.

• More FIGs will be formed for replication /popularization of this intervention.

•  Vermi compost being important source of Organic manure will be utilized for organic production of fruits and vegetables.

•  Generating employment to unemployed youth, farm women and other farmers.

• Nodal Department must be provide guidance & explore market potential through use of IT.