Vermicomposting in Nepal: "Turn Your Waste into Organic Fertilizer"
Do you throw away kitchen waste like vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and used tea leaves every day?
What if I told you that this “waste” could be turned into something valuable for your soil — vermicompost, also known as “gandyaula mal” in Nepali?
As an agriculture student in Nepal, I’ve learned that vermicomposting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve soil health, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and manage organic waste at home or on the farm.
Let me take you through the basics of what vermicomposting is, how it works, and how you can start it yourself.
What is Vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting is the process of using earthworms to turn organic waste (like kitchen scraps or animal manure) into natural, nutrient-rich compost. The worms digest the waste and release it as vermicast — soft, black, and fertile compost that’s full of nutrients and helpful microbes.
It’s completely natural and does not smell bad if managed properly. In fact, it’s the best organic fertilizer for vegetables, fruits, flowers, and crops.
What You Need to Start
You don’t need a big farm or high investment to start vermicomposting. Here’s what you’ll need:
• A box, bin, sack, or pit (wooden, plastic, or cemented)
• Bedding material: dry leaves, straw, newspaper, sawdust
• Red earthworms (called Eisenia fetida)
• Organic waste: kitchen waste, cow dung, crop residues
• A cool, shady place (away from direct sunlight and heavy rain)
What to Feed the Worms
Good Items:
• Vegetable peels
• Fruit scraps
• Used tea leaves
• Cow dung (semi-decomposed)
• Paper, cardboard (shredded)
• Weeds or dry plant matter
Avoid:
• Meat, bones, fish
• Dairy or oily food
• Spicy or salty foods
• Plastics or chemicals
Note: Always cover fresh waste with dry material (like leaves or straw) to prevent flies and bad smell.
How Long Does It Take?
Vermicomposting usually takes 45–60 days depending on the temperature. In warm areas like the Terai, the process is faster. In cooler hill regions, it might take a bit longer.
You’ll know the compost is ready when:
It looks dark and crumbly
It smells like wet soil
You don’t see leftover waste
Advantages
o It increases soil fertility
o It improves soil structure and water holding
o It helps crops resist diseases
o It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers
o It’s completely organic and safe
Things to know
Keep your compost moist like a squeezed sponge (not too dry or wet)
Place the bin in a cool, shaded spot
Don’t overfeed — add waste in small amounts regularly
Use a lid or cover to protect from rain and sunlight
Harvest compost every 2–3 months and start again
Vermicomposting in case of Nepal.
Nepal’s farmers face problems like: Chemical fertilizer shortages, Soil degradation, Waste disposal issues, High input costs So,
Vermicomposting offers a local solution. It works in both the Terai and Hilly regions. Even a small household can start with one bin. Some farmers are even selling their vermicompost and earthworms for extra income.
Moreover, vermicomposting is simple, sustainable, and smart. Whether you’re a student, farmer, or gardener, you can start it at home, school, or farm. It reduces waste, saves money, and builds healthier soil.
Let’s stop burning waste or throwing it in the river. Let’s turn it into black gold for our soil.