Introduction

Background The solid waste problem and its detrimental impact on the environment and
people’s health have been the major concerns of local government units (LGUs) since the
enactment of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste management Act of 2001. This
vermicomposting project supports the enactment of R.A. 9003 in which LGUs have the primary
responsibility of implementing the law with proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment
and processing (composting, recycling, reuse, recovery, etc.) in appropriate and environmentally-
sound solid waste management facilities in accordance with ecologically sustainable
development principles. RA 9003 also strategically envisions that all stakeholders, whether
government institutions, private entities in commercial/industrial establishments, and every
household must implement the solid waste management scheme. There are various methods of
composting municipal and farm solid wastes or biomass applied in the Philippines. One such
method that has become widely applied because of its simplicity, practicality and cost-
effectiveness is vermicomposting, the process of composting with the use of earthworms. The
increased adoption of vermicompost technology would lead to savings in farm inputs and an
increase in environmental consciousness. Vermicomposting is a mesophilic process, utilizing
microorganisms and earthworms, in which organic waste passes through the earthworm gut,
whereby the resulting earthworm castings (worm manure) are rich in microbial activity and plant
growth regulators, and fortified with pest repellence attributes as well. Earthworms consume
various organic wastes and reduce the volume by 40–60%. Vermicompost provides all nutrients
in readily available form and also enhances uptake of nutrients by plants. Based on the increasing
trend in the number of vermicompost technology adoptors, it was popularized among local
entrepreneurs for the reason that it is considerably profitable and furthermore maximizes the
flow of materials within the farm level.1 2 The process of utilizing the organic wastes within the
farms leads to a more sustainable farming practices. The nutrients are retained and returned back
to the soil through vermicompost application. Such practice would make the soil suitable for
crop production and increases crop yield since the soil quality is improved.
horticultural, ornamental, vegetables, etc. Agronomical studies show that earthworm-
produced fertilizer is richer in plant nutrient than the soil, containing five times more nitrogen,
seven times more phosphorus, 11 times more potassium, three times more exchangeable
magnesium, and one and a half times more calcium. It contains a high percentage of humus,
which helps soil particles form into clusters creating channels for the passage of air and water.
This kind of humus is found to be more effective compared to ordinary compost and chemical
fertilizers and its use can lead to higher crop yield over a longer period of time. Revenues or
earnings derived from the vermicomposting systems be it primary benefits or secondary will be
valued and treated as benefits. Primary benefits are those outputs directly produced by the
project while secondary benefits are those stemming from the direct outputs. The Benefits that
can be derived from this project are the following: • selling of earthworms and vermicompost; •
utilization of vermicompost as organic supplement and soil conditioner as substitute for
inorganic • fertilizers; • production of organic crops; and • minimization of wastes through
recycling into usable forms; • increase in employment and • greater economic activity in the farm
level; • increased value of adjacent properties as a result of a cleaner environment; • decrease
wastes movement to dump sites; • increase savings/revenues for the government; • good
neighbor relations due to increase job availability; • consumption of safe organically produced
crops; and, • pollution abatement

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Vermicomposting is defined as the production of compost with the use of worms. It is a
fast way to convert farm waste and biodegradable municipal waste into organic fertilizer. It
degrades waste as vermi or earthworm (African night crawler) feed on and digest waste
materials. Vermicomposting results in a better quality product that is produced in only 4-6 weeks
compared to ordinary compost that is produced in 8-12 weeks. Vermicomposting is a waste
management technology utilizing earthworms to convert organic wastes into high quality
castings and vermicomposts of high economic values. The proposed vermicompost production
project involving the informal waste sector (IWS) is in effect, supporting R.A. 9003 (Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) by working in partnership with the Legazpi City local
government unit in promoting proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment and processing
(composting, recycling, reuse, recovery, etc.) in appropriate and environmentallysound solid
waste management facilities in accordance with ecologically sustainable development principles

The proposed project also aims to provide alternative livelihood for members of the
proponent IWS association and at the same time, support the National Organic Agriculture
Program (NOAP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in its goal to promote, propagate,
develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that will
cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce
pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further
protect the health of farmers, consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm
inputs. The total investment for a commercial scale vermicomposting facility is estimated at Php
1.803,000.00 to cover start-up capital and operating expenses of the commercial scale
vermicomposting facility. Aside from the establishment of a commercial scale vermicomposting
facility, members of the IWS association may undertake backyard vermicompost production.
The initial capitalization in starting a backyard vermicomposting business will depend on the
scale (smallsmall-scale/backyard: Php 6,000.00, large-scale: Php 50,000.000). For every vermi
bed with two kilograms (kg.) of African night crawler (ANC) worms, 90 kg. vermicompost will
be produced per harvest. With 12 cycles a year, a total of 1,080 kg. of vermicompost will be
produced. Assuming a farm gate selling price of P10 per kilo, a revenue of PhP10,800.00 is
earned annually. ANC worms multiply in double quantity every six months with a corresponding
doubling of the vermicompost business. One can opt to sell the worms at PhP500 a kilogram.
Thus in 12 cycles, a total of 48 kg. of ANC worms can be harvested and sold for PhP24,000.00
or a toal annual revenue of PhP34,800.00 less annual production expenses of PhP6,120.00. This
means a yearly net return of P28,680.00 from an investment of P6,120.00 or a 21 percent annual
return on investment (ROI).
 BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
Economic Development Aside from the establishment of the coop-managed
vermicomposting facility, members of the cooperative, especially the waste pickers and sorters
from the informal waste sector (IWS), may undertake household vermicomposting. After six
months, 10 kilos of worms can produce 300 kilos of vermicompost. Assuming a farm gate
selling price of P10 per kilo, a monthly revenue of P3,000 is earned. Less monthly expenses of
P1,500, monthly net income reaches P1,500. Worms double every six months with a
corresponding doubling of the vermicompost business. This means a yearly net return of
P28,680.00 from an investment of P6,000 per vermi bed per year or a 368.63 percent return on
investment (ROI). One can opt to sell the worms at P500 a kilogram. A higher financial and
social ROI can be achieved if vermicomposting is used for organic agriculture. Compared to
inorganic fertilizers, vermicompost is less expensive, improves rather than destroys soil fertility,
increases the value of farm produce and provides healthier food for the consumers.
In terms of economic viability, vermicomposting will be a good source of income aside
from the various benefits which can be derived from its various products. Aside from the
economic gains, savings will also be derived by using the product itself and its derivatives.
Vermicompost has the added advantages of being more convenient, practical and economical
than other similar composting systems. For one, it can be done at either the household or
commercial level with minimal labor and capital requirements. The tools and implements needed
for the operation are available locally and are sold by many commercial firms. Local agro-
machinery shops can also fabricate the necessary equipment (e.g. mechanical shredder). It is in
the marketing and utilization of vermi-based products that has the most impacts that
encompasses both socio-economic and environmental dimensions. Farmers can save on the use
of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. They have the opportunity to improve the condition of the
soil, increased yield of high quality crops resulting to more profit, help the environment by
replenishing natural resources, plus helping many people by giving them jobs in vermi farms. In
addition, excess vermicompost can be marketed commercially, while the surplus growth of
earthworm biomass can also be sold to other farmers and households who wanted to start their
own vermicomposting venture. Such practice would lead to economic development in the
countryside and savings for the government through reduction in the use of imported fertilizers.
Equitable distribution of income among the farmers would result to economic growth with
equity.

Community Development
During the production stage, large volume of wastes is needed to produce large amount
of vermicompost needed to fertilize large tracts of agricultural lands. These wastes can be
derived from all possible sources: households, farms, communities, markets, and industries. In
the vermicomposting process, wastes are not dumped or transported to dumpsites. Wastes are
managed effectively by reducing waste transport and elimination of burning waste in the
backyards or farmlands. Therefore, pollution and greenhouse gas emission are reduced that
would result to improved environmental management and ecological integrity maintenance.
Through the vermicompost production project, it is expected that the cooperative will be able to
promote equal opportunities for its most vulnerable members, the waste pickers and sorters,
especially the women beneficiaries, to establish backyard vermicomposting and their household
members to benefit from project services. These benefits will include training and employment
to be provided through the coop’s vermicomposting project. As agribusiness opportunities in
production, processing, and marketing of the vermicompost increase, there is an incentive for the
waste pickers and sorters and women in the community to participate and benefit from income-
generating opportunities and employment through the project. Vermicompost or the castings of
the earthworms is an excellent soil enhancer and bioactive fertilizer for organic farming.
Earthworms can also be made into feed for fish or other domesticated animals. Vermicomposting
can also help reduce the amount of biodegradable wastes in the San Jose Sico landfil. The
production of vermicompost will also contribute to the promotion of organic farming and

in restoring the fertility of acidic soils resulting from organic matter depletion and
overuse of chemical fertilizers in Batangas and nearby provinces. Through vermiconposting,
adoptors can recycle their own resources and create an effective fertilizer in the process. The
extra worms that are produced can be used as feed for poultry and fish, thus helping other local
businesses.
The advantages of this technology for the community include:
1. Recycling of organic wastes.
2. Production of energy rich resources.
3. Reduction of environmental pollution.
4. Provision of job opportunities for women and jobless members of the coop and the
IWS community.
5. Improvement of soil pH. (vermicompost acts as a buffering agent).

6. Improvement in the percolation property of clay soils (from the compost's granular
nature). 7. Improvement of the water holding capacity in sandy soils.
8. Release of exchangeable and available forms of nutrients.
9. Increase of oxidizable carbon levels, improving the base exchange capacity of the soil.
10. Improvement of the nitrate and phosphate levels.
11. Encouragement of plant root system growth.
12. Improvement in the size and girth of plant stems.
 13. Early and profuse plant flowering
14. Creation of a substitute protein in poultry and fish feed.

After project financing, the sources of raw materials needed in producing vermicompost
will be cheaper and always available in the project communities. With its low production cost, its
selling price can be cheaper compared to inorganic fertilizer, making it more competitive in the
market. As a result, farmers will be able to buy their farm’s needed fertilizer and increase their
production volume.

Human Development
The stages of technology can be divided into three stages, namely,
(1) vermicomposting knowledge dissemination through trainings, seminars and
exposures;
(2) production of different vermi-based products; and,
(3) vermi-based products marketing and/or utilization.
As early as knowledge dissemination, the target beneficiaries receive benefits which
affect their way of thinking with regards to managing their wastes and soil fertility. The adoptors
will be given options on ways to manage their wastes efficiently and they will not be forced to
adopt the technology but through their own will. With the process, the target beneficiaries will be
empowered through the provision of various opportunities to choose from. Even without
technology adoption, target beneficiaries will gain much knowledge through the process of
information technology transfer that they can use in one way or the other with regards to waste
management and farming. Through informal education will equip the target beneficiaries with
new knowledge and better opportunities in farming system and waste management.

Vermicomposting is safe and is not hazardous to the health of the farmers. In fact, the
farmers' health is promoted because by using vermicompost, they avoid exposure to toxins and
other harmful chemicals. The project shall promote beneficiary participation to trigger grassroots
mobilization and social inclusion of the target beneficiaries from the informal waste sector (IWS)
around specific themes like enterprise formation, organic farming, poverty alleviation, and
women’s participation.

INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
Vermiculture or the science of breeding and raising earthworms was introduced in the
Philippines in the late 1970’s4 and gained popularity in the 1980’s5 . It started when Dr. Rafael
D. Guerrero, the Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Marine Research and
Development (PCAMRD) became interested with the technology because of the need for
alternative high-protein feeds for fish. In the 1980’s, the dissemination of the technology was
focused on boosting worm production basically for fishmeal, however, the cost of worms was
still too high and becoming too expensive as feeds for the fishermen and hatchery owners
because during that time the cost of commercial feeds was still comparatively low. The
environment-friendly method of vermicomposting became popular again in recent years because
it provided the opportunity for worm raisers to produce a good source of protein for feeds and at
the same time convert farm and household wastes into organic fertilizers or vermicompost.
Vermicompost or vermicast is an odorless, organic material containing adequate quantities of
nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) and several micronutrients, which are essential for
plant growth. It became popular with organic farmers because it helps plants grow faster and
more vigorous even without the application of commercial fertilizer.6 Although, the
vermiculture industry collapsed in 1984 due to the absence of an appropriate technology, 7
producers of organic fertilizers and commercial farms are now utilizing the technology to
produce high quality bio-organic fertilizers and highly demanded organically-produced high
value crops. Based on the guidelines issued by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA),
organic fertilizer refers to any product of plant and or animal origin that has undergone
decomposition through biological, chemical and or any other process as long as the original
materials are no longer recognizable, free from plant or animal pathogens, soil like in texture. It
contains not less than 20% organic matter (o.m) oven-dry basis and can supply nutrients to
plants. All other materials that fall short of these requirements shall be classified as soil
conditioners or amendments whichever is applicable.

According to the FPA, 6,271 metric tons of organic fertilizers were produced and 6,309
metric tons were sold in 2006 by 48 companies, most of them in Metro Manila. Actual
production and sales vary from year to year and 1992 was a record breaking year with a
production of 73,212 metric tons (MT) but sales for the year was only 17,138 MT. The record
breaking sale was in 1995 at 28,090 MT tons with production figures of only 21,769 MT.

MANUFACTURING AND OPERATIONS PLAN

Location and Space Requirements
A 300 square-meter wide vermicomposting facility may be established at a lot that may
be owned by the LGU, the IWS association or by its members. Backyard vermicomposting may
be undertaken by members who want to become vermicompost producers and are qualified to
apply for enterprise or productivity loan from their IWS association or the LGU. The loan shall
be utilized by the IWS association member-borrower as working capital and for the construction
of his/her backyard vermicompost production unit and purchase of needed raw materials, tools
and equipment.
Facilities Needed and Other Requirements Site Selection:

Select a site that is shaded and well-drained with availablewater supply. Temperature
requirement is 25C-29C undershade. Worms die when direct to sunlight. • Small Scale
Production - Fixed capital needed would consist of hoes and spade, bolos and scythes and the
worm bins. • Commercial Production - provision of working space for drying andbagging

Materials:
• Worms – African night crawlers • Worm bins or worm beds - used worm bins/worm
beds which are made of any material available whether iron bars with plastic lining, old plastic
basins, bamboo slats or concrete hollow blocks. Precautions should be taken to ensure that they
are protected from direct sunlight, too much water and natural predators.

Tools:
• Gardening gloves • Strainer/Sifter • Spading fork • Shovel
Raw Material/Packaging Material:

• Vermi (Worms) • Foodwastes, fruit/vegetable trimmings and peelings, dry leaves and
stems, animal manure • Vermi Bed or earthworm bed (Dimension: 2x1x0.3m) • Black plastic
garbage bags • Plastic sacks (50-kg. capacity)

Equipment:
• Mechanical shredder (optional)
LABOR FORCE
Labor Requirements

During the production stage, different products are derived from the vermicomposting
system but the main products are vermicompost and compost worms that can further be
transformed into other usable products such as animal feed and vermi tea. In the production
process, vermicomposting will require much labor if mechanical shredder is not available. From
segregation, chopping, bin preparation, maintenance until harvesting, vermicomposting requires
at least one part time worker for a small scale vermicomposting system.
Most members of the cooperative are waste pickers or sorters who can also work at the
coopmanaged vermicompost production site while their household members can help in the
production activities of their backyard vermicompost.

MARKETING PLAN
Target Market
The existing local market for vermicompost are mainly agricultural producers and
farmers who slowly but increasingly use this as an alternative to chemical fertilizers because
demand for organically produced food crops is also increasing. Organic fertilizer has likewise
increased in use as result of steep increases in the price of commercial fertilizer. These
developments work in favor of vermicomposting. Aside from the fact that no imported inputs are
required in vermicomposting, producing their own fertilizer makes the farmers less vulnerable to
changes and fluctuations in the prices of other commodities particularly chemical farm inputs.
There is practically no risk at all in producing vermicompost whether for one's use or surplus
production.

The following are the other potential markets for vermicompost:

• Direct sale to end users. This includes farmers’ groups and subdivisions in nearby cities
and municipalities;

• Bulk sale to producers and distributors of organic fertilizer that needs vermicast as one
of its primary components; and

• High-end market in urban areas due to the popularity of organically grown farm
produce among the rich residing in posh villages and other high-end residential areas.

According to the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), 6,271 metric tons of organic
fertilizers were produced and 6,309 metric tons were sold in 2006 by 48 companies. Actual
production and sales vary from year to year and 1992 was a record breaking year with a
production of 73,212 metric tons (MT) but sales for the year was only 17,138 MT. The record
breaking sale was in 1995 at 28,090 MT tons with production figures of only 21,769 MT.

Market Opportunity Vermicomposting technology has been in the country since 1978.
However, only few people adopted it and some ceased their operation. Its low adoption until now
is due to the lack of market linkages and high cost of earthworms. But once the market have been
identified, then its potential would be tremendous since the vermi products command high prices
in the market. Vermicompost can be sold from Php 10.00 to 25.00 per kilogram while
earthworms are from Php 500.00 to Php 1,500.00 per kilogram. Some sellers repackage their
products with starter kits and reading materials but with higher price. Some vermicomposting
adoptors, aside from producing and selling their products, are also engaged in conducting
training and producing other products (i.e. vermitea, vermimeal) derived from the main vermi
products. With such activities, they received more benefits than selling vermicomposts and
compost worms. Even during the promotion of the technology, these people get paid for just
sharing their experiences and practices in vermicomposting.

The existing local market for vermicompost are mainly agricultural producers and
farmers who slowly but increasingly use this as an alternative to chemical fertilizers because
demand for organically produced food crops is also increasing. Organic fertilizer has likewise
increased in use as result of steep increases in the price of commercial fertilizer. These
developments work in favor of vermicomposting. Aside from the fact that no imported inputs are
required in vermicomposting, producing their own fertilizer makes the farmers less vulnerable to
changes and fluctuations in the prices of other commodities particularly chemical farm inputs.
There is practically no risk at all in producing vermicompost whether for one's use or surplus
production.
 The following are the other potential markets for vermicompost:
• Direct sale to end users. This includes farmers’ groups and subdivisions in nearby cities
and municipalities;

• Bulk sale to producers and distributors of organic fertilizer that needs vermicast as one
of its primary components; and

• High-end market in urban areas due to the popularity of organically grown farm
produce among the rich residing in posh villages and other high-end residential areas.
Distribution Plans

The vermicompost can be directly sold to farmers groups or cooperatives who are
engaged in organic farming, industrial plants and real estate developers (subdivisions and
condominiums) with landscaping and organic food production activities, and the Department of
Agriculture.

Pricing
Vermicompost can be sold from Php 10.00 to 25.00 per kilogram while earthworms are
from Php 500.00 to Php 1,000.00 per kilogram. Some sellers repackage their products with
starter kits and reading materials but with higher price. Some vermicomposting adoptors, aside
from producing and selling their products, are also engaged in conducting training and producing
other products (i.e. vermitea, vermimeal) derived from the main vermi products. With such
activities, they received more benefits than selling vermicomposts and compost worms. Even
during the promotion of the technology, these people get paid for just sharing their experiences
and practices in vermicomposting.

Advertising and Promotion

Efforts The cooperative will actively participate in organic agriculture promotion
activities carried out by organic food products and organic farming enthusiasts, in partnership
with the DA’s organic agriculture programs at the city/municipal, provincial and national levels.

FINANCIAL PLAN
Estimated Investment Costs The total investment for a commercial scale
vermicomposting facility is estimated at Php 1.803,000.00 to cover start-up capital and operating
expenses of the commercial scale vermicomposting facility. (Table 1)

Table 1. Budgetary Requirements and Sources of Funds for the Proposed

Vermicomposting Project.
 Budgetary Requirements and Sources of Funds for the Proposed Vermicomposting Project

Component/Activity TOTAL

EXTENSION SERVICES AND TRAINING

Salaries and travel expenses of 1 extension worker @ 5,000.00/month x 36 months Php180,000.00

Training and workshops @ P100/day x 200 pax x 3 days Php60,000.00

Subtotal A Php240,000.00

HOUSEHOLD LEVEL VERMICOMPOSTING

Component/Activity Total
Marerial and biological inputs:

Hollow blocks and nets for 200 units worm beds @ Php250/unit Php50,000.00

10 kg. worms @ Php500/kg x 200 members Php1,000,000.00

Direct Costs:

Labor @ Php300 x 2 laborers x 100 days Php201,600.00

400 units shovel @ Php 300/unit Php120,000.00

Subtotal B Php1,230,000.00

VERMICOMPOST PRODUCTION FACILITY

Equipment:

1 units mechanical shredder @ Php 150,000/unit Php150,000.00

3 units weighing scale for 500 kg. @ Php 10,000.00/unit Php30,000.00

3 units weighing scale for 40 kg. @ Php 5,000/unit Php15,000.00

3 units bag closer @ Php 6,000/unit Php18,000.00

Subtotal C Php213,000.00

Land and Building:

300 sq. m. open shed warehouse @ Php20,000.00/sq. m. Php60,000.00

Land (Php20,000/year x 5 years ) Php60,000.00

Subtotal D Php120,000.00

GRAND TOTAL Php1,944,600.00

Typically 5,000-7,500 metric tons (MT) mix of animal manure and organic waste is required to
produce 3,000 MT vermicompost. Animal manures, biogas sludge, baggase, municipal solid
waste and range of agricultural residues serve as good raw materials for vermicomposting. Aside
from the establishment of the organization-managed vermicomposting facility, members of the
coop may undertake backyard vermicomposting. The initial capitalization in starting a backyard
vermicomposting business will depend on the scale (small-small-scale/backyard: Php 6,000.00,
largescale: Php 50,000.000).

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Projected Sales and Income

Aside from the establishment of the commercial scale vermicomposting facility,

members of the IWS association may undertake backyard vermicompost production. For every
vermi bed with two kilograms (kg.) of African night crawler (ANC) worms, 90 kg.
vermicompost will be produced every harvest. With 12 cycles a year, a total of 1,080 kg. of
vermicompost will be produced. Assuming a farm gate selling price of P10 per kilo, a revenue of
PhP10,800.00 is earned annually. ANC worms multiply in double quantity every six months with
a corresponding doubling of the vermicompost business. One can opt to sell the worms at
PhP500 a kilogram. Thus in 12 cycles, a total of 48 kg. of ANC worms can be harvested and sold
for PhP24,000.00 or a toal annual revenue of PhP34,800.00 less annual production expenses of
PhP6,120.00. This means a yearly net return of P28,680.00 from an investment of P6,120.00 or a
21 percent annual return on investment (ROI).

Assumptions:

- 1 vermi bed = 12 harvests in a year.

- Vermi bed (Dimension: 2x1x0.3 m.)
- African Night Crawlers is sold at P500/kl.
- Harvesting is done every after 30 days.
- 150 kilos of biodegradable wastes + 2 kilos of worms = 90 kilos of vermicompost
- Compost sells at P10.00/kl.
- 2 kg. of vermi per bed would yield 4 kg. of additional vermi
 Cash Flow in 5years

1st year 200 vermi bed

18,000kg. vermicompost x 12 cycles = 216,000 kg. of vermicompost @ P10 00/kg. Php 2,160,000.00 in 1
year
Additional revenue for selling worm from 200 vermi bed
800kg. of vermin worm x @ P500.00/kg. Php 400,00.00
Total income in one year hp 2,560,000.00
Less: cost of sale Php 1,994,600.00
Gross profit Php 565,400.00
2nd year 200 vermi bed
18,000kg. vermicompost x 12 cycles = 216,000 kg. of vermicompost @ P10 00/kg. Php 2,160,000.00 in 1
year
Additional revenue for selling worm from 200 vermi bed
800kg. of vermin worm x @ P500.00/kg. Php 400,00.00
Total income in one year php 2,560,000.00
Less: cost of sale Php251,600.00
Gross profit Php 2,308,400.00
3rd year vermi bed
18,000kg. vermicompost x 12 cycles = 216,000 kg. of vermicompost @ P10 00/kg. Php 2,160,000 in 1 year

Additional revenue for selling worm from 200 vermi bed

800kg. of vermin worm x @ P500.00/kg. Php 400,00
Total income in one year Php 2,560,000
Less: cost of sale Php251,600.00
Gross profit Php 2,308,400.00
4th year 200 vermi bed
18,000kg. vermicompost x 12 cycles = 216,000 kg. of vermicompost @ P10 00/kg. Php 2,160,000 in 1 year

Additional revenue for selling worm from 200 vermi bed

800kg. of vermin worm x @ P500.00/kg. Php 400,00
Total income in one year Php 2,560,000
Less: cost of sale Php251,600.00
Gross profit Php 2,308,400.00
5th year 200 vermi bed
18,000kg. vermicompost x 12 cycles = 216,000 kg. of vermicompost @ P10 00/kg. Php 2,160,000 in 1 year

Additional revenue for selling worm from 200 vermi bed

800kg. of vermin worm x @ P500.00/kg. Php 400,00
Total income in one year Php 2,560,000
Less: cost of sale Php251,600.00
Gross profit Php 2,308,400.00

Net Earnings from from 1st year to 5 year Php 9,485,200.00

 Vermicomposting
1. Collect biodegradable materials such as food wastes, fruit/vegetable trimmings,
peelings, and dry leaves and stems.

2. Shred/grind the food wastes, fruit/vegetable trimmings, peelings, and dry leaves and
stems. 3. Mix old animal manure and chicken droppings (2 months old) with shredded vegetable
waste. This will improve the nutrient content of the finish product. Do not use fresh manure for
the ammonia produced will give discomfort to the worms.

4. Sun-dry these materials for at least three days and let them undergo partial
fermentation. 5. Weigh the shredded grinded materials before putting in the compost bed to
determine ratio of compostables and worms.

6. Before stocking the earthworms, make sure that all materials in the vermi bed are
prepared.

7. Moisten the bedding with water and cover it with black plastic garbage bag, old sacks,
net, or banana leaves to start "anaerobic process", which is completed after 1-2 weeks.

8. After the anaerobic process, remove the cover and stock the vermi bed with
earthworms

. 9. Maintain the vermi beds' moisture content and temperature through regular checking.
Protect the worms from predatory animals.

10. Vermicompost is harvested when most of the materials have been consumed by the
worms. This takes about 30-45 days depending on environmental and culture conditions.

11. In harvesting, separate the "vermi" from the vermicompost either manually
(handpicking) or using a strainer/sifter.
12. Properly pack vermicompost in sacks and store in a cool dry place.

13. Harvested/sifted vermi from the vermi beds may either be used for the next
vermicomposting cycle or for expansion by constructing additional vermi beds.

14. The offspring or produce of the initial vermi in the vermi bed can also be sold to
would-be vermicompost producer or to fish pond owner as fish meal.
VERMICOMPOST
PRODUCTION

PROJECT PROPOSAL

JASPER BEATINGO
(BS AGRICULTURE MAJOR in CROP SCIENCE)