Hello,
In our previous blog, we discussed the business information about organic vermicompost. today, we will learn about vermiwash made from earthworms. what it is and how it is prepared, in complete detail. Vermiwash is a liquid organic fertilizer produced with the help of earthworms.
📌 What is Vermiwash?
- The liquid extract obtained from a vermicompost bed is called vermiwash.
- It is water filtered through the worm bed, containing nutrients, enzymes, and microorganisms.
- It is used as an organic plant tonic, foliar spray fertilizer, and also as a natural pesticide.
🎯 Uses & Demand
- Vermiwash is in good demand from organic farmers and home gardeners.
- The demand is increasing as people are turning towards organic products.
Users include:
- Organic farmers
- Floriculture and nursery businesses
- Terrace gardeners
- Horticulture department / Government projects
🔍 Facilities Required for Production
Vermiwash production can be operated alongside a vermicompost unit."A to Z Organic Vegetable, Grain, and Fruit Farming – Complete Guidance from Scratch"
Earthworms (10–15 kg): ₹1,500–2,000
Drip water setup / drum: ₹1,000–1,500
Tools & containers: ₹1,000
Total: ₹8,500–12,500
🧑🌾 Basic Requirements
- Space: 200–500 sq. ft.
- Water source (non-chlorinated water is better)
- Vermibed (Eisenia fetida or red worms are best)
- Drainage system
- Collection tank/drum with a tap
🧪 Vermi Wash Preparation Process
🪱 Preparing the Vermibed
- Bed size: 6 × 3 × 2 ft (Length × Width × Height) – Cement tank or HDPE bed.
Layers:
- Bottom layer: Coarse sand + gravel (3–4 cm)
- Middle layer: Semi-decomposed cow dung + crop residues (8–10 inches)
- Top layer: Prepared vermicompost and earthworms.
🧪 Vermiwash Collection Setup
- Install a PVC pipe/tap at the base of the tank.
- Create a slow-drip water system:
- Place a pot/vessel with small holes on top and fill it with fresh slurry.
- Or sprinkle a little water daily.
🧪 Extraction Method
- Every 2–3 days, pour 5–10 liters of water onto the bed
- The water passes through the bed, absorbing nutrients, enzymes, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, beneficial microbes, and earthworm secretions, and collects at the bottom.
- Collect the brown liquid from the tap into a clean vessel.
- Filter it through cloth.
- Store in dark-colored plastic bottles or cans.
✅ Production
- One bed yields 2–3 liters of vermiwash per week.
- Dilute at a 1:10 ratio with water before spraying.
💰 Business & Cost (Small-scale initial investment)
Cement tank / HDPE bed: ₹5,000–8,000Earthworms (10–15 kg): ₹1,500–2,000
Drip water setup / drum: ₹1,000–1,500
Tools & containers: ₹1,000
Total: ₹8,500–12,500
🏷️ Selling Price
- Retail: ₹80–150 per liter
- Wholesale: ₹50–80 per liter
🏆 Monthly Income Example
- Production: 10 liters/week = 40 liters/month
- Selling price: ₹100 per liter
- Income: ₹4,000/month (from vermiwash only)
- (Plus additional income from vermicompost sales)
🧠 Quality Tips
- Use only organic feed (no chemicals).
- Maintain pH ~ 6.5–7.5.
- Store in cool, shaded place – shelf life: 6 months.
🛒 Marketing Ideas
- Sell through organic product stores, nurseries, farmer markets.
- Contract with local farmers.
- Offer free samples to gardening groups.
- Label should include:
- Brand name & logo
- Ingredients & usage instructions
- 100% Organic claim
📢 Bonus Ideas
- Sell Vermiwash + Vermicompost combo packs.
- Home delivery subscription service for urban gardeners.
- Training workshops for extra income + publicity.
🎯 Conclusion
Vermiwash is a liquid organic fertilizer prepared with the help of earthworms, highly beneficial for plant growth and disease prevention. It contains micro-nutrients, hormones, and beneficial microbes that promote healthy crop development. Compared to chemical fertilizers, it is eco-friendly, soil-friendly, and a sustainable option for agriculture.
