Biotechnology for Sustainability: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives

Biotechnology for Sustainability
Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives Biotech Sustainability (2017), P41-50
Vermitechnology – An Eco-Biological Tool for
Sustainable Environment
Mahaly Moorthi 1 , Koilpathu Senthil Kumar Abbiramy 1, *, Arumugam Senthil Kumar 2
and Karupannan Nagarajan 3
1 PG and Research Department of Zoology & Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous),
Mannampandal - 609305, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam District, Tamilnadu, India;
2 PG and Research Department of Zoology, Chikkaiah Naicker College, Erode – 638
004, Tamilnadu, India; 3 PG and Research Department of Zoology, Sri Vasavi College,
Erode – 638 316, Tamilnadu, India; *Correspondance: moorthideksha@gmail.com / ksabbiramy@gmail.com;
Tel; +91-8526385977
Abstract: The word vermi, typically indicates earthworms. Vermitechnology is a simple
process, which uses earthworms to produce earthworms, good quality compost (vermicompost)
through organic waste recycling and other products involving earthworms. This technology
is inevitable in managing biodegradable wastes, biomass or organic material that
can be degraded or composted thus contributing to the environment indirectly. Solid waste
management through Vermitechnology contributes more for the sustainability of the environment.
The major components of Vermitechnology can be considered as Vermiculture
(mass production of earthworms), Vermicomposting (production of vermicompost) and
Vermiwash (the extract of vermicompost). In 1996, „Vermitech‟, the vermicomposting
technique was developed by Mr. A. Thimmaiah at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI), New Delhi, India. As IARI is also known as „Pusa Institute‟, this innovative
technology was dedicated to the institute and named „Pusa Vermitech‟. „Pusa Vermitech‟
was developed to provide a simple solution to poor farmers. This method has now become
popular in Bhutan, Costa Rica, India, Italy, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It appears that Vermitechnology
is going to play an important role for the sustainability of agriculture and environment.
This chapter is highlighting the Vermitechnology, as an eco-biological tool for
the sustainable environment.
Keywords: Solid waste management; vermicomposting techniques; vermiculture; vermitechnology;
vermiwash
1. Introduction
The advent of organic farming has
made farmers innovative and nature
friendly. Vermitechnology, an effective
replacement for chemical input is the
most sought after due to its costeffectiveness
and quality of enriching the
soil. Vermicompost is becoming the principal
manure for crops in the field of organic
farming. The market crisis for agricultural
products has also contributed to
the popularity of vermicomposting. The
manure comes in handy especially for
small-holders who do not have the money
to buy expensive, chemical fertilizers.
The manure is used rampantly for all sorts
of crops. The biggest beneficiaries are
women who have formed themselves into
NGO-trained Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
These women can easily prepare the
Vermitech products in their backyard and
sell the excess one left after their own use
to neighbouring estates or farmers. The
NGO-run institutes like these are assisted
by the local bodies like grama pancha-
ISBN: 978-967-14475-3-6; eISBN: 978-967-14475-2-9 41