Vermicompost is a type of organic fertilizer produced by using earthworm castings (vermiculture) to produce a soil amendment rich in nutrients for crops. It is used primarily for growing vegetables.
A budding entrepreneur who knows something about the manufacturing process can start an organic fertilizer company. It can be set up with modest capital investment in his/her own back yard too.
Rural areas with a high proportion of agricultural land, suburban areas close to cities, and semi-rural villages are good sites for installing vermiculture facilities because they offer easy access to cow dung.
With the increasing popularity of vermicomposter technology, it is becoming increasingly popular among local entrepreneurs because it is seen as profitable.
What is Vermicompost Organic fertilizer Production?
Vermicompost is basically organic manure. It is prepared by mixing up worms on biological and vegetable residues. This organically produced fertilizer is rich in nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) potassium (K), and many other elements that are necessary for the growth of crops.
Vermicompost Fertilizer Production Business Plan for Beginners
Vermicomposts contain a higher percentage of nutrients than garden composts. Vermicompost takes longer to mature than garden compost. Depending on the kind of waste, there may be five to six cycles per season.
Materials Required For Vermicompost Organic Fertilizer Production
Several decomposable natural organic substances are normally utilized as composting material. It incorporates animal feces, kitchen waste, farm leftovers, and natural vegetation, etc. Generally speaking, animal manure mostly comprises cattle feces, and dry-cut grasses are the main raw resources. A combination of leguminous and non salvage crops enrich the high-grade compost.
Earthworms come in various types. Some examples include Eisenia foe tide (red earthworm) riles eugenia (night crawler), person excavates us, etc.
It’s better than the white worm because it has a faster reproduction cycle, which means it produces more compost than the white worm. And since it feeds at the surface, it produces compost from the top.
Manufacturing Process
The first step is constructing a tank (preferably made out of concrete) in which to produce vermicomposter. Below are the basic instructions for making vermicomposter.
- To start, you need to collect biodegradable agricultural waste.
- Use a knife to cut them into smaller pieces.
- Let them go through particular decomposition for 10 to 20 days. It will help them achieve a better level of digestion.
- You need to put a vermicomposting unit somewhere where it gets plenty of light but doesn’t get too hot during the summer months.
- A bed of a partially decomposed substance of size 6 x 2 x 2 feet should be constructed.
- A mixture of partially decomposed organic waste materials is then spread onto the surface of the compost pile.
- Put down a 6″ thick bed of partial biodegradables at the base of the bed.
- After applying one layer of cow dum slurry to it, let it sit for 15 to 20 days before using it again.
- Cover the compost pile with manure after partial decomposition.
- Put red earthworms (1500–2000) on top of the bed.
- Sprinkle water immediately after releasing worms into the can.
- The bedding needs to be maintained by sprinkling it daily with moisture and by using polythene sheets.
- After 30 days, turn the mattress every month so that it remains properly decomposed.
- It takes about 50 days for the soil to become fertile enough to plant seeds.
Harvesting Process of Vermicompost Fertilizer Production
Once you’ve finished composting, don’t water again for at least two weeks. You should see a change in color from green to brownish/black and be smaller in size.
If you keep some partially decomposed manure at room temperature, worms will move into the manure from decomposing organic material. Compost can then be separated and used for gardening.
Preventive Measures in Vermicompost Fertilizer Production
- Make sure the ground underneath your house is well-compacted so that earthworm migration isn’t an issue.
- Cow dung needs to be aged for at least 20-30 days before use.
- Organic waste must not contain any plastic, chemical, pesticide, or metal items.
- Aeration should be kept up so that worms can grow properly.
- Maintain optimum water content (30–40%)
- At 18–25 degrees Celsius (64–77 degrees Fahrenheit), meat should be kept at an optimal temperature for proper decompose
Market Opportunity for Vermicompost Fertilizer
A vermicompost fertilizer production company has good prospects for selling its products across a wide variety of crops, including agriculture, horticulture, ornamentals, vegetables, etc.
Direct sales include farmer’s markets, local grocery stores, and community centers. Bulk sales include large-scale farms and distribution companies.
High-income markets in urban areas due to organic farming’s growing popularity among the wealthy living in posh villages and elsewhere.
You may like to read: How to Launch a Successful Shopify Business: 10 Tips for Success
