Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 7

With an aim to promote the use of earthworms for making compost, a vermiculture project was inaugurated on the banks of Bishnumati river in Kalimati today.

The project aims to create awareness on the deteriorating environment. It also lays stress on the use of organic waste and shows how earthworms can help in producing compost. The project is being managed by the Jai Kishan Heet Multipurpose Cooperative.

Earthworms are usually reared in a wooden or plastic container filled with sawdust and papers. These worms are fed the organic waste. The worms excrete within fifteen minutes, which can be used as manure by the farmers. For this purpose, three small rectangular structures are constructed on the banks of Bishumati river. The organic waste, like vegetables and fruits, are kept in these compartments and earthworms are mixed with them.

'Vermi-compost is the best way to keep our home and city clean. I find it very fruitful', said Nucche Maharjan, the programme coordinator of the cooperative. Vermiculture started four years ago but Kathmanduites are still unaware of its importance, he said.