Improving livelihoods through vermicomposting

In the dry tropical regions of India, livelihood opportunities are often closely linked to soil fertility conditions. The biological component of the soil, living organisms and dead organic matter, is the major factor limiting fertility of dryland soils. So, BAIF Development Research Foundation implemented projects mainly targeting the farmers. The strategy of the project mainly includes sustainable systems by implementing composting systems to increased fertility of soil. Although several methods of composting are practiced, vermicomposting has proved to be the most popular method among participants in BAIF projects. The composting method has several beneficial effects on soil physical and chemical properties. The vermicomposting method improves livelihood opportunities, increases soil fertility and helps to achieve sustainability. Therefore, by combining technical interventions with community mobilisation, the project has enabled the rural poor to come out of poverty.