Vermicomposting is a process that has been adopted throughout the world, but it is particularly popular in India. Many countries, such as Australia, the USA and several European countries, have developed thriving Vermicomposting industries, but these cannot be compared with the enthusiasm to which India has taken to “Vermi!”
Originally Vermicomposting was carried out for the purpose of breeding and selling the worms (vermiculture), with the worms being used for fishing bait, and sometimes also for fish feeding.
In recent years, people have become aware that earthworms, by their activity in the compost, are able to decompose and stabilize a wide variety of wastes.
This has changed the focus of many operators from producing earthworms to producing `vermicompost`, and many more operators have been attracted by the realization that earthworms are capable of producing extremely high quality compost. Furthermore, this product has become a highly sought-after and valuable product.
The truth is that in practice the breeding of earthworms and processing organic wastes go hand in hand, and many Vermicomposting businesses benefit greatly by developing by both aspects for maximum benefit.
In the attempt by some, to market commercial Vermicomposting systems, exaggerated claims have sometimes been made about both the large number of earthworms that can be produced and the almost magical quality of the resulting vermicompost. While many of these claims are justified, and good vermicompost is incomparably good, some of these claims are still being researched.
Vermicomposting produces a premium price product, and it can therefore more economically be transported from the more remote regions to market in towns where the demand for this product is high.
If you have not tried growing with vermicompost we recommend that you try it soon.
How to make nice compost with kitchen waste?
Equipment needed:
Containers:
This can be a plastic can or box. If plenty of space is there a cement ring can be used.
Step 1
At the kitchen all the waste should be segregated into bio degradable and non degradable. Seperate garbage cans can be kept one green and another red.All the kitchen waste, vegetable cuttings, used tea powder, and papers go into green can.
Step 2
Transfer the daily green waste from kitchen to the can, box or pit in the garden or other exposed area. The lid should be closed if you are doing vermicompost in the balcony or terrace because of rats.
Step 3
The waste will start to de compose into simpler element.To speed the process occasionally some Neem cake or Honge cake can also be added in a slurry form.
Step 4
Once de composition happens the waste will turn dark brown or black and the volume will also reduce.
The smell will become sweet at this stage some worms can be added along with handful of garden soil.
This will help the friendly bacteria to multiply. Keep the compost moist and in a dark or shaded area.
Step 5
After 2 – 3 weeks you will find the plenty of earthworm will be breeding and a layer of vermicast will be deposited on the surface every day.
<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->This can be scooped and added to flower pots on vegetable garden for getting healthy plants.
Where are earth worms available?
Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra Campus
Bellary Road, Yelahanka
G.K.V.K.
Bangalore - 560065
Landmark: Near Jayalakshmi Hospital
Phone: 080-23330153, 23330162
Useful links:
www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/worms
www.kitchen.gardeners.org
http://www.triballordsspeak.com
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