🪱 Vermicompost Business – A to Z Information

         

    In our previous blog, we explored organic vegetable, fruit, and grain farming. But many of you requested information on how to prepare natural fertilizers and other inputs. That’s why we’re bringing you a special blog series on this topic. Today, we will look in detail at vermicompost (worm compost).

📖 Also read – “A to Z Organic Vegetable, Grain, and Fruit Farming – Complete Guidance from Scratch!”

    If you’re a farmer, a farmer’s child, or have any family connection to farming, you must have visited the farm as a child. But try visiting it again today—you’ll see how much has changed. I remember as a child, seeing earthworms on the farm used to fascinate me. We used to wonder how it had mouths on both sides! But today, it’s rare to even spot one. The major reason? Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
What do you think? Tell us in the comment box.

💼 Business Overview:

Vermicompost business means converting organic farm waste into nutrient-rich compost using earthworms and selling it. This process is in high demand for organic farming.

🌿 Benefits of Vermicompost:

1. Improves soil fertility: Increases organic carbon in the soil.

2. Enhances water retention: Helps soil retain moisture.

3. Natural nutrients (NPK): Adds nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium naturally.

4. Boosts crop yield: Promotes faster, healthier growth.

5. Improves pest resistance: Microorganisms in the compost control harmful fungi and bacteria.

6. Supports sustainable farming: It’s eco-friendly and ideal for long-term farming.

📌 Also read – Business of Detergent and Washing Powder

🏠 Required Space:

1. 1000 sq. ft area can produce around 2 tons of compost per month.

2. Moist, shaded area needed (preferably with a shed).

3. Nearby water source.

🧾 Registrations & Licenses:

1. Udyam Aadhar registration (for MSME recognition)

2. FCO license (Fertilizer Control Order – mandatory for selling compost)

3. GST, MSME, Brand registration

4. FSSAI (if producing organic sprays or liquid fertilizers)

🪱 Types of Worms Used:

1. Eisenia fetida (Red Wigglers): Most popular in India

2. Eudrilus eugeniae (African Night Crawler)

👉 Eisenia fetida is widely used in India.

🛠️ Equipment & Materials:

1. Earthworms: 5–10 kg (for starting).

2. Shed or roof: For bed or tank composting.

3. Plastic tubs or tanks: For compost storage.

4. Tools: Spade, water sprayer, maintenance tools.

5. Moist waste and dung: Main food sources.

1. Jaggery and crop residues: For enhancing earthworm growth.

🔄 Production Process (Step-by-Step):

1. Prepare a 6x3 ft pit/tank in a shaded shed.

2. Layer soil, cow dung, and dry leaves.

3. Add worms and cover.

4. Maintain moisture – sprinkle water every 3–4 days.

5. Compost is ready in 40–45 days.

6. Separate worms, filter the compost, and pack it.

📦 Types of Products:

1. Dry Vermicompost: Used for soil enrichment.

2. Vermi Wash (Worm Extract): Sprayed on plant leaves.

3. Worm Sales (Earthworm Packets): Sold to other farmers.

4. Compost Kits: Sold to urban customers.

📊 Cost & Profit Estimation (Per Month):

Component	Cost (₹)
Earthworm Purchase (10 kg)	₹2,000
Raw Material (Dung, Dry Leaves)	₹500
Labor	₹1,000
Shed and Others	₹1,500
Packaging and Marketing	₹1,000
Total	₹6,000

Revenue:

1. ~1.5 tons × ₹8–10/kg = ₹12,000–₹15,000
2. Profit: ₹6,000–₹9,000/month
3. (Initial investment recovered in ~6 months)

📖 Also read – Small Business vs. Startup

💡 Sales & Marketing Channels:

1. Local farmers

2. Plant nurseries, garden shops

3. Online platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Instagram)

4. Agriculture expos and stalls

5. Direct sales to organic brands

Branding Tips:

1. Good packaging (1kg, 5kg, 10kg)

2. Bio-certification fetches higher price

3. Promote via WhatsApp, Facebook groups, social media.

📈 Growth Strategy:

1. Start: 1000 sq. ft production

2. 6 Months: Build customer base

3. 1 Year: Double production
   ➕ Sell worms + conduct training classes + nursery tie-ups

🎓 Training & Guidance:

1. Agricultural Universities (e.g., Punjabrao Deshmukh, Mahatma Phule)

2. ATMA Scheme (Agriculture Dept.)

3. YouTube Channels: Organic Farming Tips, Abhijit Bawane (Marathi)

4. Contact local agriculture officers

5. Follow “Krushikanya – Kavya Datkhile” on Instagram for guidance

📖 Also read – Krushikanya Kavya Datkhile

📢 Government Schemes & Subsidies:

1. PMEGP – Loan & subsidy for small businesses

2. KVIC Vermicompost Subsidy Scheme

3. MSME Loan Schemes

4. Organic fertilizer support schemes by Agriculture Dept.

📝 Business Advantages:

1. Low investment

2. Eco-friendly and sustainable

3. Good income source in rural areas

4. Supports organic farming

5. Bright future in the organic agri sector.

📌 Conclusion:

    Vermicompost business is a low-cost, eco-friendly, and profitable venture. Anyone with a small space and basic farming experience can successfully start and scale this business.

📖 Also read – Ravana Raja Rakshasacha by Sharad Tandale