Vermiculture - Earthworms Coming to
the Rescue of Poor Farmers

Vermiculture is an innovative eco-friendly technology in which earthworms are effectively used for waste treatment. When organic waste is put in the soil containing earthworms, simple compounds are readily degraded by these micro-organisms. Since earthworms have an aerobic gut, the majority of' bacteria harboured by earthworms certifies extreme energy utilisation resulting in more biomass production, which in turn speeds up waste breakdown to an advanced rate. Plant leafs and bio soil also play a significant role in vermiculture. While plants absorb the metabolites of earthworms and micro-organisms, soil atoms serve as the grinding medium for earthworm and supply plant nutrients.

Vermi compost is the excreta of earthworms, rich in bacteria and plant nutrients which is very good for the soil and the plants. This is a one stroke solution for addressing poor soil fertility, wasteland development, declining yield, reducing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

In the Bundelkhand region in Central India where soil has gotten extremely degraded by years of chemical fertilizer use, Development Alternatives has facilitated many farmers to produce vermi compost. This excellent natural compost is helping the farmers to grow organic vegetables and improve the fertility of their land. Sale of vermi compost is also helping the farmers to earn additional income.  ■

Rishabh Singh
rsingh@devalt.org