Charles Darwin (1837 – 1881) first made the scientific studies of the relationship between earthworms and soils and was known to be the founder in the field of “earthworm Bio – technology”. He first showed the significance of earthworms as agent of soil formation and in maintaining the soil fertility and hence he was known as the “father of Earthworm Farming”. We all know the importance of earthworms in agriculture. Earthworms play an important role in improving the soil properties physically, chemically and biologically, which are necessary for obtaining better crop yields. Earthworms contains large amount of proteins (70%) in their body, which can be used as portentous food for animals, birds and fishes & even to human beings in some countries. Few valuable amino acids, proteins & medicines are extracted from the earthworm body, which are useful for human beings.
The conversion of any organic waste in the form the vermicompost is the major role played by the earthworms in nature. The enrichment of plant nutrients in the organic waste in the field through vermicompost is achieved by the earthworms. The earthworm farming is not a new technology as it has a long history, however, it was not adopted scientifically. But now it becomes very essential to adopt earthworm farming scientifically for economic point of view as well as for stability & sustainability in agricultural production. Under improper intensive farming & technologies the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the soil is increasing. The soil becomes dead and unproductive as a result the production level goes on decreasing. Organic farming in the form of vermicompost obtained from the earthworms is one way to overcome the problems of low productivity. The earthworms enhance the decomposition rate of organic waste and improve the biological activities in the soil. The production of vermicompost from any organic waste i.e. agricultural waste, city garbage, industrial waste and sewage waste by using earthworms and its utilization in agriculture is one of the most economic ways in keeping the soils alive for sustainable production / productivity.
A populated city like Mumbai where influx of the people is multiplying every minute hence the amount of organic waste increases with their population.In this crucial time our city needs your help to carry out certain programmes like conversion of organic waste into bio manure.
We consider the constraint of space, we suggest mechanical vermi – composting method which is faster, odorless which can be placed in RG area.
The benefits of the above system are as follows :