Raising earthworms promotes organic and circular agriculture.

QUANG NINH - On an area of ​​over 400m2, Ha Long Green Organic Agricultural Cooperative currently produces 10 tons of various types of worm compost per month, selling it at 8,000 VND/kg.

Currently, the demand for organic fertilizers in Quang Ninh province is gradually increasing. Recognizing this, in October 2023, Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh (Cam La commune, Quang Yen town) established the Ha Long Green Organic Agriculture Cooperative, with herself as the Director.

Ms. Vinh shared that, through practical research, it has been found that farmers still do not adhere to the principles when using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, causing waste, environmental pollution, and directly affecting human health.

Leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Quang Ninh province visit a model of earthworm farming at Ha Long Green Organic Agricultural Cooperative. Photo: Nguyen Thanh.

"The cooperative was established with the goal of helping farmers change their perceptions and farming methods in agricultural production, contributing to the protection of the natural environment and public health. The Ha Long Green Organic Agriculture Cooperative is focusing on producing earthworm compost and other products derived from earthworms," ​​Ms. Vinh said.

Notably, vermicompost is not only a high-quality organic fertilizer for crops, but it also helps improve degraded, nutrient-deficient soil. Vermicompost is particularly suitable for seedling propagation and growing organic vegetables and fruits. The vermicompost composting process can be carried out on a small scale to process organic waste at the household level.

"Although vermicompost cannot completely replace chemical fertilizers, it can reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers used, promote sustainable agricultural production, and deliver high-quality agricultural products that are safe for consumers," Ms. Vinh shared.

Currently, Ha Long Green Organic Agricultural Cooperative is using hybrid earthworms because they are larger, eat very well, and produce higher-yielding fertilizer. In addition, the hybrid earthworms are well-suited to the local environment and climate, and have good disease resistance.

Earthworms have a diverse diet including livestock and poultry manure; plant residues such as cassava, beans, sugarcane, and ginger; plants like water hyacinth and banana stems; and organic waste from the kitchen. However, before feeding earthworms, these foods need to be finely chopped. Plant-based foods can be fed directly, while animal-based foods must be treated with probiotics.

Vermicompost is very effective in farming, especially for growing vegetables. Photo: Nguyen Thanh.

Earthworms should be fed food that floats on the surface, avoiding feeding them to the bottom because the food mass that sinks will generate heat during fermentation, affecting the growth and reproduction of the worms. Furthermore, the submerged environment creates anaerobic conditions, generating a series of toxic gases such as CH4, H2S, and CO, causing the earthworms to leave or die.

After the first stocking, approximately 40-45 days later, when the biomass thickens, farmers can harvest the earthworm castings and restock the herd. On an area of ​​over 400m2, the Ha Long Green Organic Agriculture Cooperative currently produces 10 tons of various types of earthworm castings per month, selling them at 8,000 VND/kg. The cooperative has established satellite farms in Quang Yen and Dong Trieu districts, and plans to expand further into Hai Ha and Binh Lieu districts.

In the future, the cooperative will develop other products such as earthworm extract, earthworm breeding stock, frozen earthworm castings, etc., increasing the production of earthworm fertilizer sold to the market to 30 tons/month to supply the agricultural sector in the province.

According to Mr. Tran Van Thuc, Head of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection of Quang Ninh province, vermicompost increases nutrient absorption and immunity in plants; contains many microorganisms, loosens the soil and retains moisture; and regulates growth naturally.

"The earthworm farming model is in line with the current trend of developing organic agriculture. Besides that, it helps people increase their income and encourages the development of circular agriculture in Quang Ninh province," Mr. Thuc emphasized.

Source: https://nongsanviet.nongnghiep.vn/nuoi-trun-que-thuc-day-nong-nghiep-huu-co-tuan-hoan-d393196.html