Training cum demonstration on “Vermicomposting” was organized by ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar at village Kambaguda in Raikia block of Kandhamal district of Odisha on 21st December 2023. In this programme, the technique of Vermicomposting was popularized among 50 SC farm women of 2 villages viz., Kambaguda and Tatamaha of Raikia block of Kandhamal. Officials from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra also actively participated in the program. During the event, the participating women farmers received hands-on training in establishing vermi-beds, preparing bedding, and layering compost to introduce earthworms into the vermi-beds.
Additionally, a women farmer’s interest group named ‘Raikia Organics’ consisting of 50 SC farm women was formed in the presence of the village Sarpanch. To facilitate the widespread adoption of Vermicomposting, 30 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) vermi-beds were distributed among the farm women, enabling them to produce approximately 70 tonnes of vermicompost annually. Furthermore, a strategic plan was devised to encourage entrepreneurship among the women group by establishing a small-scale bio-resource production unit in the village.
As part of the initiative, initial input support was provided for the bio-resource production unit, including 50 battery-operated sprayers, 50 steel buckets, 20 plastic buckets, 20 storage drums, 5 wheelbarrows, and 20 jerry cans. These agri-inputs were distributed among 50 farm women in the region, supporting the production of various bio-formulations such as panchagavya, beejamrut, jeevamrut, etc., for agricultural fields covering approximately 85 acres.
The training aimed to empower the farm women of the region to set up small-scale vermicompost production units in their homestead areas, aligning with the activities of development of horticulture (fruits)-based organic farming model for entrepreneurship and strengthening self-reliance among farm women. The women farmers were also educated about soil health, with an emphasis on the importance of soil testing. The program included sensitization on the recycling of farm waste for sustainable agriculture production and greenhouse gas mitigation. The women farmers gained valuable insights into the recycling of farm waste through vermicomposting and natural farming for long-term agricultural benefits. The programme was successful organized by Dr. Ankita Sahu, Scientist, with the technical assistance of Mr. M.R. Prusty, Sr. Technical Officer from ICAR-CIWA.
