Earthworm production raises farm income

Ishwori Bhandari has to jump out of bed early in the morning everyday because the phone never stops ringing.

The 50-year-old returnee migrant from Tilottama-2, Rupandehi raises earthworms and produces organic manure, and has a devoted fan following among farmers across Nepal

In 2020, he decided to enter the agricultural sector. "I invested Rs2 million to start a farm on two and a half bighas,” said Bhandari.

He started Green Zone Agro Farm and operated a nursery. “At the same time, I was doing research on the internet about producing organic manure using earthworms. After I thought I had learned enough, I began raising them.”

Bhandari also travelled to Chitwan to observe earthworm farming. Nowadays, he supplies organic manure and earthworms across the country. He produces earthworms in 15 plastic tunnels. He also makes vegetable seeds and maintains a large marigold farm.

"I sell earthworms for Rs1,000 per kg and organic manure for Rs35 per kg. There is huge market potential for earthworms and manure produced from them,” Bhandari said.

According to him, it costs Rs125,000 to build a sophisticated tunnel or greenhouse. "I have spent Rs3 million on my farm so far. I am trying to raise capital to expand my farm."

Bhandari collects cow and buffalo dung and weeds to rear earthworms.

Home and commercial vermicomposters buy earthworms. Studies have shown that vermicompost enhances plant growth, suppresses diseases and insects in plants, and increases microbial activity in the soil.

Vermicompost also improves water retention, aeration and porosity in soils.

According to Bhandari, earthworms lay eggs from mid-October to mid-March in harvesting beds or bins. “In a season, 1 to 5 kilos of earthworms are born in 15 beds.”

Water should be applied three times a day to maintain the temperature and moisture. It is important to spread water by checking the condition and whether the earthworms have completely entered the soil.

https://kathmandupost.com/money/2023/07/25/earthworm-production-raises-farm-income