Across India, many agripreneurs have embraced the transformative power of vermiculture — a sustainable agricultural practice that converts organic waste into nutrient-dense compost, offering a superior alternative to chemical fertilisers.

As interest in organic farming grows, farmers are increasingly adopting fertilisers like vermicompost. It helps to neutralise soil pH, boost microbial activity, introduce beneficial bacteria, and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.

But starting a vermicompost business isn’t just about earthworms. It’s a combination of art and science that can nurture both the soil and an entrepreneurial spirit.

We have curated some useful insights from farmers who have established multi-lakh businesses using just cow dung and agri-waste.

1. The craft of bed preparation

While some farmers opt to prepare cemented beds, Assam-based Kanika Talukdar understands the importance of leveraging locally available resources. Her secret? Bamboo. This robust and readily obtainable material forms the backbone of her vermicompost beds.

Meanwhile to prepare the compost, she uses paddy residue, and stems of water hyacinth, and mixes it along with cow dung to turn this organic debris into worm castings. The feed can be anything organic, from kitchen waste to store bought feed.

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