VERMICULTURE

Project Proposal

I. INTRODUCTION

Vermiculture stabilize active organic materials and convert them to a valuable soil
amendment and source of plant nutrients. It is used to manage wastes, provide livelihood to
the people and produce highly organic products in a more affordable market value.

It is usually done by putting biodegradable wastes and animal manures in a vermin

bed made-up of concrete materials or sacks. Wastes would undergo with decomposing
process using the African Night Crawler also known as "the composting worm", normally it
would take 30-40 days. The produced manure of worms are called “vermicast” which is used
as organic fertilizer. The vermicast will have to undergo sifting and air-drying before
marketing.

This project is relevant in focusing sustainable balance of nature when it comes to

usage and production of environmental entities. Generally, vermicasts are composed of
phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and calcium which restores microbial population and
provides nutrient to the plants and soil. Vermiculture also improves soil texture and water
holding capacity which is effective to preventing soil erosion. Therefore, it enhances the
quality of agricultural crops.

II. OVERVIEW

A. Significance of the Project

Aside from its benefits in the environment and production of agricultural crops, it is
also less expensive than the commercial fertilizers available in market and cost-effective
pollution abatement technology. Vermiculture provides livelihood opportunities to the
farmers and other stakeholders who want to culture worms. The number of worms increases
rapidly which is valuable in selling large-scale of worms and vermicast every harvest. It helps
the soil in culturing organic products holistically and intensively.

Organic products are the main source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, flavonoids
and carotenoids. Anthocyanins possess antidiabetics, anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial and anti-obesity effects. On the other hand, flavonoids that helps regulate
cellular activity and fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body. While
carotenoid enhances immune system and eye health.

On the other hand, the implementation of R.A. 9003 the Solid Waste Management
and R.A. 10068 and the Organic Agriculture Act of the Philippines will also be empowered
relative to the main core of this project which is to reduce the usage of commercial fertilizer
in the country and proliferation of massive wastes in the community.

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 B. Description of the Project

The proliferation of synthetic or commercial fertilizers in the municipality has been

affecting the financial stability of our farmers due to its expensive market value. Also, the
amount of natural nutrient contents of the soil is decreasing because of its harmful effects in
the environment such as acidification of the soil, mineral depletion, and chemical burn to
crops, waterway and air pollution.

The usage of such fertilizers are strongly discouraged due to its effect in vegetables,
fruits and crops, it makes them susceptible to insects and diseases in the long run. This
usually means that farmers will have to increase their use of pesticides, weed suppressants
and fungicides if such thing happens.

As an alternative, the Local Government of Solsona encourages all famers in the

municipality to support the administration's advocacy in organic farming. This is to sustain
the nutrient content of the soil, manage waste residues from the public market and households
and refine the quality of agricultural products available in the municipality. It will also give
potential to all farmers to become more financially stable and commercial fertilizer-
independent.

C. Background of the Project

Organic farming has been the top priority of this administration since then. Aside
from its effects in the economy and livelihood of the people, it restores the proficiency of the
soil and other factors that contributes to the production of crops and vegetables in a certain
community.

In 2011, vermicomposting in Solsona started under the administration of Hon. Joseph

E. de Lara. He introduced vermiculture in the municipality to mobilize all farmers in
generating high organic quality of agricultural products and suffice the depleting nutrient
content of soil. Vermiculture only requires simple materials and procedures when it comes to
producing vermicast. The materials are easy to provide because these are usually
biodegradable wastes such as leaves and animal manures.

In 2013, the local government established a cooperative for trained vermiculture

farmers. They were given starter kits of one kilo of African Night Crawler (ANC) and taught
how to prepare bins and how to feed the earthworms. By that time, they were able to use
vermicast as fertilizer and also had extra to sell. In a culture period of 45 days, the one kilo of
earthworms multiplied to five kilos that has Php 500.00 market value and produced five bags
of vermicompost worth Php 1,250.00.

III. COMPONENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COMPONENTS ACTIVITIES
A. TRAINING - seminar-workshop about proper
management of vermiculture

- demonstrations from the Department of

Agriculture other related agencies

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 - vermicast production marketing

B. CONSTRUCTIONS
1. Construction of Vermi-Facilities - Earth works and demolition
Building - Concrete works-footing and foundation
- Roofing
2. Construction of Vermi-bed - Masonry works
3. Construction of Water system-reservoir - Masonry works
- Pipe installation
C. PRODUCTION - Collection of Substrate
- Shredding and filling of substrate
- Undergo fermentation process
- Vermin-worm introduction to the bed
- Watering maintenance
- Harvesting, air drying, and screening
- Packaging and marketing
D. MANAGEMENT - Project Caretaker
- Project orientation
- Recording and Bookkeeping
- Project reporting (financial and progress)

IV. EXPECTED OUTPUT

In this project, organic farming will be empowered in the whole province of Ilocos
Norte, acquiring the integral benefits of vermiculture in agricultural production. Those who
are interested producers of vermicompost and vermicast will develop their entrepreneurial
capabilities, conserve the local environment, bio-diversity and human life because of its
organic nature and provide a healthier agricultural products in the community.

V. ECONOMIC BENEFITS IMPACT

The establishment of this facility will sure bring significant benefits to the producers
and resident-consumers in the immediate community. The producers will acquire of such
capacities, skills and knowledge by undergoing seminar and workshops to be facilitated by
the agricultural experts.

The vermicast production will be primarily used and applied in the community, hence,
quality organic vegetable crops will be produced and can be sold in the market or directly to
the consumers. Aside from these economic benefits, this vegetable product will greatly
contribute to the nutritional needs of consumers especially those who are suffering from
illnesses.

The economic benefits go hand in hand with the reduced usage of the inorganic inputs
and practice of eco-friendly approach in minimizing it not to eradicate waste materials and
conserve the community environment.

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VI. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The project will be engaged directly through the Department of Agriculture and other
agencies, which will be under the direct supervision of our provincial/municipal government.

The farmer-producers will be considered as the direct arm in the project operation.
The Provincial Government (PG) /LGUs may handle the administrative work in the early
stage of the project while the farmer-producers will look after their operations especially in
producing high quality of vermicomposts and vermicasts.

In terms of marketing, the provincial government or LGU may assist the producers to
sell their products to prospective buyers.

VII. PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY

Through holistic management of the selected site for culturing worms, it may serve as
demonstration facility for researchers, students and other agriculture enthusiasts in the
country. It will demonstrate the process of producing vermicompost and vermicast, its nature
as a quality organic fertilizer and an alternative to the costly and environmentally hazard
chemical or inorganic inputs.

Proper management will play a big role in order to sustain the production.
Establishing connection to different government agencies will also help in preserving the
facility.

VIII. PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The PG/LGUs may conduct site visitations in the facilities together with Municipal
Agriculturists and staff. If the connection between producers and PG or LGUs is maximized,
the overall process of marketing vermicompost and vermicast will become more
synchronized and manageable. The PG/LGUs may establish an association or organization of
producers for certain municipalities. They may also assign permanent facility caretakers and
laborers to administer the financial transactions, inventories, sales and product distribution.

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