TARA (Technology and Action for Rural Advancement) offers a clean technology, which converts organic waste like kitchen waste, leafy waste into active compost. Vermicomposting is the cast or excreta of ‘epigeic’ (surface feeding) earthworm species produced by the conversion of organic wastes. The process of conversion is known as vermicomposting.

Brief Production Process
Active compost can be prepared easily by anyone, anywhere. It requires only a small area for composting, a little cow dung, leaf or organic waste and some earthworms. A container is required to start the process. This can be made of wood, cement, plastic or even be an earthen pit. The size depends on amount of waste or compost. The container is filled with cow dung and organic waste (kitchen waste, agricultural residue, leaf, litter etc.) in the ratio 1:8 and allowed to decompose for two weeks.

After two weeks about 2000 earthworms are introduced into pit. 50 % moisture has to be maintained by periodic spraying of water and mixing. Roofing is done to protect the container / pit from excessive sunlight and rain. The whole set up should be protected from the attack of ants, rats, and other predators. The worms feed on the waste and excrete small granular pellets, which are left on the surface. Once the process of conversion is complete, the material can be dumped on the ground, made into a conical heap and left for few hours. The worms can be removed from the base and reintroduced into the next feed mixture while the active compost can be collected separately. The collected castings are dried in shade, sieved to separate cocoons and young ones which can be further reintroduced into the feed mixture.

Areas of Application
The vermicompost is ideal for use in floriculture, horticulture and plantation crops.

Advantage
Compost is rich in nitrates, available form of phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Above all it contains a good quantity of vitamins, natural phyto-regulators and micro flora in balanced form which helps in re - establishing the natural fertility of the soil. The processed soil becomes very fertile and its water holding capacity also increases. Available food ingredients for plants are high. This reduces the use of inorganic fertilizers thus increasing the quality of food products. It also plays a vital role both for waste, biomass management and waste land development in rural areas.

Development Status
Commercialized

Technical Data
Brick masonry pit of 12 ft x 5 ft x 3 ft.
Biomass decomposed organic material to fill the pit
Earthworm – 2000 Nos.
Labour – 1 no for two hrs in a day

Economic Data
200 kg of vermicompost produced every month. A minimum profit of Rs 1000 /- month can be achieved after covering all expenses. Additionally each earthworm can be sold at Rs 0.50/- piece.

(These costs do not include building construction. It is assumed that a shed of 10 sqm is available for the above)

Business
TARA organic compost producing technology is profitable for micro and small-scale enterprises. There are no raw material costs. Value addition is purely on account of man power costs. Technology is supplied by TARA (Technology and Action for Rural Advancement) a leading sustainable technology marketing organisation.

Transfer forms
Product, process on turnkey basis

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