TECHNIQUES

VERMI-COMPOST

There is a growing realisation that vermi-composting provides the nutrients and growth enhancing hormones
necessary for plant growth. The fruits, flowers and vegetables and other plant products grown using vermi-
compost are reported to have better keeping quality. A growing number of individuals and institutions are
taking interest in the production of compost utilising earthworm activity. As the cost of production of this
compost works out to about Rs.1.5 per kg, it is quite profitable to sell the compost even at Rs.2.50 per kg.
Other organic manures like neem cake, groundnut cake, etc., are sold around this price.
The process of composting MSW using earthworms comprise spreading the wastes and cow dung in layers
as 1.5 m wide and 0.9 m high beds of required length. Earthworms are introduced in between the layers @ 1
Kg worms per m3 of bed volume. The beds are maintained at about 40 - 50% moisture content and a
temperature of 20 - 30 deg C by sprinkling water over the beds. The earthworms being voracious eaters
consume the biodegradable matter and give out a part of the matter as excreta or vermi-castings. The vermi-
casting containing nutrients is rich manure for the plants.
When the commercial scale production is aimed at in addition to the cost of production, considerable
amount has to be invested initially on capital items. The capital cost may work out to about Rs. 10 Lakh for a
1.5 tonne per day facility. The high capital cost is due to the fact that large units require considerable
expenditure on infrastructure, equipment and transport. However, the activity produces a valuable product
which will enhance the productivity of the soil. Following are the items required to be considered while
setting up a unit for production of vermi-compost.