Vermicompost Boosts Soil Health, Offers Farmers New Income Stream

• Vermicompost, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash (1.5%), significantly outperforms traditional cow dung manure (0.5%) in nutrient content.
• Agricultural scientist Pramod Kumar highlights vermicompost's ability to enhance crop nutrition and improve overall soil structure.
• Farmers can construct a tank (10x3x2.5 feet) using bricks or plastic, layering organic waste and 20-25 day old cow dung.
• Introducing 1500 Eisenia fetida earthworms, a South African species, facilitates rapid conversion of waste into vermicompost within 2.5 months.
• One tank yields 5-6 quintals of vermicompost, and earthworm populations multiply fourfold, offering farmers an additional income source by selling worms.

Why It Matters: Vermicompost enhances soil fertility and provides a significant new income opportunity for farmers through its production and earthworm sales.