Enriched compost and organic inputs: Hands on by CIARI at Shaheed Dweep 

SITUATION ANALYSIS

Preparation and use of compost and other organic inputs are very essential to sustain agricultural production in Neil Island. Due to the shortage or non availability of synthetic fertilizers, organic manure is the only possibility to raise the crops especially vegetables. With available cowdung and crop residues, the nutrient demand of the crop can be met without affecting the productivity through proper composting. Therefore, the potential of organic waste recycling through improved method of composting and its enrichment with rock phosphate and other beneficial organism was demonstrated to the farmer.

TECHNOLOGY INTERVENTIONS

For composting, compost tank of 1 m x 1.5m x 0.8 m was made and is covered with semi-permanent tin sheet shed to protect it from heavy rainfall and direct sun light. After making the tank, farmer was trained in making of vermicompost and was provided with effective microbial consortia for faster decomposition and nutrient mobilization. In addition the farmer was provided two Neem and Karanja seedlings each for planting in his land to get organic products. Besides, neem oil, micronutrient mixture (one time) and bioconsortia for biocontrol was also given.

IMPACT / OUTCOME OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

The Farmer prepared 1.5 ton of enriched compost per cycle and completed 2 cycles in a year producing around 2.5-3.0 t of enriched compost equivalent to Rs. 73,225 /- . The net benefit was Rs. 50,725 with B/C ratio of 3.25. The farmer saved 60 kg N (130 kg urea), 36 kg (225 kg SSP) and 45 kg K (75 kg MoP). With the enriched compost prepared from organic wastes generated within his farm was effectively recycled and used for growing vegetables, rice etc. The farm was frequently visited by nearby farmers and line departments. His success story was recorded by NABARD for upscaling.

INCOME GENERATION

Through the sale of vegetables, the farmer has generated an income of Rs.50000/ - and could save up to Rs.9500/- towards the cost of purchasing fertilizers.

WAY FORWARD

The technology can be up scaled to other farmers by line departments, banks. As there is a larger demand for organic inputs, the technology for production of such inputs like panchgavya, jeevamrit etc. can be given to the farm youth for entrepreneurial development.

Contributors : T Subramani, A.Velmurugan , S.K.Pandey, Zacharia George, T.P. Swarnam and B Gangaiah