By Pradeep Sharma

Kathua, May 11 (ANI): Farmers in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir have started using bio vermi compost instead of chemical fertilizers.

The compost is eco-friendly and supports the nutrients in the soil.

Farmers, who have farmyard manure and rear cattle, can easily produce the biovermi compost.

Earthworms are used for the production of this kind of manure.

“Earthworms are used to make vermi compost. The earthworm eats the dung and other waste material and converts it into manure. The manure produced is odorless. It is complete organic manure. This kind of manure prevents nutrient loss,” said Yash Pal Salgotra, an agriculture officer.

The farmers in the region are producing massive quantities of the compost and nearly one hundred production units have been set up. They also generate employment for residents.

“We produce around 200 -300 quintals of vermi compost. The number of labourers employed has increased. I have around eight to nine workers with me. Even, I am getting employment from this,” said Surinder Kumar, a farmer who is running a production unit for vermi compost.

The government is encouraging such projects amongst the farmers by giving them subsidies. An amount of rupees 7500 is given to each farmer interested in starting such a project.

The farm produce in the markets is categorized as chemically and organically produced.

The organically produced food and other things fetch a much higher price encouraging the farmers to use manures such as the vermi compost. (ANI)