Viability of Medium-Scale Vermicompost Plant: a Case Study in Kushtia, Bangladesh

Abu Shahadat Md. Ibrahim; Ashif Mohammad; Md. Ibrahim Khalil; S. M Nasif Shams

doi:10.55927/fjas.v3i2.8160

Authors

Abu Shahadat Md. Ibrahim Colorado School of Mines
Ashif Mohammad Deputy Station Engineer
Md. Ibrahim Khalil Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka
S. M Nasif Shams Associate Professor, Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v3i2.8160

Keywords:

Green Farming, Biomass, Compost Fertilizer, Organic Waste, Waste management,, Vermicomposting, Batik Dye Waste

Abstract

In Bangladesh, vermicomposting has been a popular environmentally friendly composting technique, primarily at small-scale levels. However, few studies have explored the feasibility of medium to large-scale operations. This study establishes a medium-scale vermicompost fertilizer plant in Kushtia, Bangladesh, processing 30 tons of waste monthly to produce 10 tons of fertilizer. Utilizing cow dung from nearby dairy farms and 0.1 million red worms (Eisenia foetida), the experiment runs for three cycles of 120 days each without indoor environmental controls. Over a year, the worm population quadruples to over 0.4 million. Lab tests confirm the fertilizer's pH level (7.69) and nutrient ratios (e.g., 1.792% nitrogen, 0.5217% phosphorus, and 1.514% potassium). The paper includes a cost-benefit analysis, suggesting the viability of such medium-scale setups for green farming in rural Bangladesh.

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