Vermicompost gains ground as farmers seek alternative to chemical fertilisers

In Nepal, a quiet revolution is taking root in our fields, driven by the humble earthworm. Farmers like Dilu Magar and Dil Bahadur Thapa are turning away from the harsh grip of chemical fertilizers, embracing vermicompost as a sustainable and effective alternative. This shift isn't just about better yields, though the reported increases in tomato harvests from four to five kilograms to seven or eight kilograms per plant are certainly compelling. It's about restoring the very lifeblood of our agriculture: the soil.

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After using vermicompost, both seedling and vegetable production increased. Tomato plants that previously yielded four to five kilograms are now producing up to seven or eight kilograms after applying the manure. He said fungal infections and plant diseases have also declined.

For too long, the reliance on chemical inputs has weakened our land, diminishing its natural productivity. Sagar Karki, an agriculture expert, highlights how vermicompost revitalizes the soil by boosting beneficial microorganisms and supplying all 16 essential nutrients plants need. This natural approach not only enhances crop growth but also reduces the incidence of fungal infections and plant diseases, a benefit particularly noted by farmers in seedling production.

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I found it more useful for germinating seedlings, rather than vegetable production itself. The seedlings grow healthier and suffer fewer diseases even after being transplanted elsewhere.

At the forefront of this movement is Kutu Agriculture Farm in Tansen Municipality, where Bhagwati Paudel Ghimire has transformed a personal initiative into a thriving commercial enterprise. Starting with a modest investment six years ago, her farm now produces around 30 quintals of vermicompost monthly, supplying local agro-vets and directly to farmers from Rampur and Ribdikot. Her vision extends to granulated fertilizer, promising further innovation in sustainable farming practices.

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vermicompost helps increase beneficial microorganisms in the soil. According to him, the manure contains all 16 essential nutrients required by plants, which has increased its popularity among farmers.

This growing reliance on vermicompost signifies more than just a change in farming technique; it represents a conscious effort by Nepali farmers to reclaim soil fertility and ensure the long-term health of our agricultural sector. It’s a testament to local ingenuity and a move towards a more resilient and productive future for farming in Nepal, a story that resonates deeply with our nation's agrarian roots.

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At present, we are packaging the manure and sending it to market. Later, I plan to produce granulated fertiliser as well.