DESCRIPTION

Vermiculture can be a lucrative economic activity for rural women. Earthworms can be bred in their farm or courtyard to produce organic manure. Earthworms multiplied by this technology can be sold directly as animal feed specially for poultry, fishery and dairy farms. Pharmaceutical companies buy them for drug extracts. 

WORKING

Select a place away from direct heat, strong sunlight and incessant rains. Dig a pit measuring 2 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet. Line the pit with polythene (PVC) sheet to arrest escape of earthworm through crevices. (Earthen pot, Brick, Cement tank or Wooden boxes can also be used to house earthworms). 

The pit is systematically filled with four layers of waste. First layer -- (Bottom of the pit) is filled upto 2 inches with coconut fibre, rice husk and sugar cane bagasse. Second layer is 2 inches thick, consisting of saw dust, chopped rice/wheat straw. Dampen the bed by sprinkling water. Third layer is the earthworm food, this includes an admixture of cow-dung, green foliage, vegetable remnants, discarded parts of fruits, droppings of horses, asses, pigs, sheep or biogas slurry, human excreta, paper or scrap of cardboards etc. This feed should be spread till a height of 6 to 8 inches. 

Release about 100 earthworms on the top without hurting them. These earthworms will start penetrating to the bottom. Once all these earthworms disappear, cover the surface with jute bags and keep them wet by sprinkling water in a judicious way. 

The jute bags may be turned upside down thrice in the first week, twice in the second week and only once in the third and following weeks, without causing any disruption to the top.  

Water and heat inside the tank assist the organic matter to decay 6i proliferates the number of earthworms - both these take place simultaneously. By 4 to 5 weeks, production of heat inside the pit will cease and will come down to 60⁰‡ to 65⁰ Fahrenheit. In case no warmth is felt by hands, understand that the manure is almost ready for use. From one tank, 50 kg. of manure is produced.   

Spread a paper on the ground and empty the contents of the tank slowly in sunlight making a pyramid like heap. Let this heap remain in daylight for about half to one hour. This will induce the earthworms to penetrate deep and reach the bottom. Now the upper layers of organic manure can be lifted slowly. Later the earthworms at the bottom may be separated from one another and deposited in the refilled tank. 

PRECAUTIONS

Rubber, metal, brass pieces and plastics are disliked by earthworms.  

Salt, chilly, vinegar, soap or soap water as well as~ insecticides 80 to destroy the earthworms hence, ought to be avoided. Be watchful of rodents, insects, birds etc. which feed on earthworms. 

SOURCE

Madhav Ramchandra Bhide, Moreshwar Co-Operative Housing Society, Baner, Aundh, Pune - 411 007, Maharashtra