Business feasibility of vermicompost units in Telangana and way forward

Abstract

Vermi-biotechnology is an eco-friendly, socially sound and economically viable innovative technology to manage the organic waste resources on low capital input basis. It also increases soil’s physical, chemical and biological characteristics through organic enrichment of soil. Vermiculture become an important component of organic farming because of the increased awareness towards organic farming and Government’s continuous effort. While, to create favorable environmental for vermicompost production enterprises and to understand its potential, business feasibility of vermicompost unit was studied. Based on the findings of the study, it was found that, the total production cost of vermicompost was Rs.3,95,500; the total marketing cost was Rs.64,800 and the total returns from 280 tonnes of vermicompost was Rs.14,01,250. In addition, the BC ratio was 1.80 which indicates that vermicompost unit is a profitable and financially feasible enterprise. Further, it was observed that Government should conduct trainings and awareness campaigns to expose the benefits of vermicompost among farmers. Hence, it was suggested that Government should establish a proper market place for vermicompost to promote the marketing of vermicompost.