Januka and Dhanraj Rai of Hetauda-7 have been raising earthworms at home and producing 3 quintals of organic fertilizer monthly.
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While farmers are facing a severe shortage of chemical fertilizers for rice cultivation, the Rai couple of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City–7 have been meeting the demand by raising earthworms at home. Januka Rai and Dhanraj Rai, who have been living in Hariyali Chowk, Nagaswati, Hetauda–7, have been producing fertilizer by raising earthworms since 2060 BS (2003/2004).
Januka started making organic fertilizer after receiving training in her village. She began by buying one kilogram of earthworms for 3,000 rupees, and now, by raising 50 kilograms, she produces up to 3 quintals of fertilizer per month. “One kilogram of earthworms produces about 50 kilograms of fertilizer. In the beginning, it was difficult to sell even one kilogram of fertilizer. Now, it’s hard to meet the demand,” she said.
The Rai couple shared that the demand for earthworm fertilizer has been increasing because farmers are unable to get the required amount of chemical fertilizer. Earthworm fertilizer is being sold at 35 rupees per kilogram. She said, “It has become much easier to grow vegetables and grains at home. As demand is increasing, we are preparing to expand production.”
A pit has been prepared in a room that protects from sun and rain to create a habitat for the earthworms. Every month, 30 baskets of fertilizer are placed to prepare the earthworm habitat. They make fertilizer from cow and buffalo dung and urine, as well as decomposable household waste (tea leaves, vegetable peels, eggshells, and leaves). According to her, earthworm fertilizer production is a profession where one can gain great benefits with little effort.
Januka says that since earthworms need an appropriate temperature to survive, it is necessary to monitor the temperature. The temperature of the earthworm habitat should be up to 36 degrees Celsius. According to her, the dung and urine of livestock are collected and earthworms are placed there. The earthworms consume this as food and produce fertilizer. In this way, organic fertilizer is ready after some time. “At that time, I didn’t think the training would make me self-reliant,” Januka said. “I never thought that things thrown away as waste could be so useful. It turns out a lot of benefit can be gained from waste.”
