Vermi Compost Production Project Location
Transcription
Vermi Compost Production Project Location
PROJECT PROPOSAL I. BASIC INFORMATION Project Title : Vermi Compost Production Project Location : CSU, Gonzaga, Cagayan Project Type : Production Project Proponent : Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and College of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy Graduating Students Implementing Agency : Cagayan State University, Gonzaga, Cagayan : Department of Labor and Employment 02 Cooperating Agency : Department of Labor and Employment 02 Authorized Representative : Dr. Ferdinand C. Oli, Campus Executive Officer Tel No. 856-65-26/ CP No.09174350747 Funding Agency : Department of Labor and Employment : Cagayan State University Amount of Fund Requested : P 265,795.50 Proponent Equity : P 14458.65 (Administration) : P 3450.00 (Student Beneficiaries) II. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE Vermi composting is the process of converting bio-degradable materials into compost or organic fertilizer with the aid of earthworm (African Night Crawler). The product or the castings is commonly known as vermi compost. Vermi composts as fertilizer material differ in nutrient analysis depending on the substrates to be used. Though vermi compost or any organic fertilizer for that matter has relatively lower analysis of grade as compared to synthetic fertilizers, however, it has that most common beneficial feature that are very essential to be used as soil conditioner. It enhance absorption of water and water retention capacity, better soil aeration, improved soil tilts, better soil permeability that allows better utilization of nutrients from the soil and when the soil is always applied with abundant amount of organic fertilizer every during planting season will surely regain its normal fertility when it was still a virgin soil which eventually results to tremendous decrease or no use of synthetic fertilizers without significantly decreasing its yield potential. Nowadays, organic farming is gaining recognition to health conscious individuals and groups because of their assumption that agricultural products produced through the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are among the causes of various diseases. Anent to this, while organic farming was conceived to be the best alternative production method for a healthier life, the use of organic fertilizer is indispensable. Hence, the demand is highly expected to rise. In the municipality of Gonzaga, Cagayan where the Cagayan state University is situated, the main source of the people’s livelihood is from agricultural crops and livestock production. With its total land area of 56, 743 hectares, around 15,000 hectares are developed for agriculture and mainly devoted to the production of rice and corn. Owing to this fact, however, with the very great potential for the utilization of waste stubbles like rice straw, corn stalk, corn cobs, livestock wastes, etc. for organic production, no one among the farmers or stakeholders commercially undergone the production of organic fertilizer. Hence, biodegradable agricultural wastes are just placed elsewhere, burned and wasted. The CSU Gonzaga campus has on-going small scale vermi compost production project under the umbrella of the Income Generating Project and Extension Services section intended for production and serves as a pilot project for extension services utilizing available biodegradable materials within the vicinity of the campus. However, the production is still very limited and cannot cope with the demand of organic fertilizer in the area. Hence, the proposed project is conceived to patch up the gap between supply and demand establishing medium scale vermi compost production under the YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT (YES) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Through this program, graduating students will be given support fund from DOLE to establish an enterprise to develop their entrepreneurial capabilities and have a share of seventy percent (70%) from the net income. Hence, they will be generating an income while in school. Beneficiaries will not only be trained per se on the production aspect of the project but they will be equipped with proper values to become a competent entrepreneur. III. OBJECTIVES Generally, the project aims to establish a medium scale Vermi Composting Project which will serve as avenue to develop entrepreneurial capabilities of students particularly the beneficiaries. Specifically, it sought to: 1. Generate income among student beneficiaries while in school. 2. Undergo commercial production of vermicompost for income generation. 3. Pilot the utilization of biodegradable resources for income generation and helps the government towards its drive to organic agriculture. IV. MARKETING ASPECT The marketability of vermi compost in the locality at present is relatively high with the existing price of 250 pesos of 50 kilos per bag. Since the production of vermi compost is still very limited, the immediate outlet of products was among the faculty and staff, students and the locality. As mandated by the existence of the proposed project, then production is expected to rise, hence, marketing strategies and expected outlets shall be sensitively examined. When there will be surplus volume of production that cannot be bought by the usual clients (our constituents and the locality), products will be advertised and sold to the neighboring municipalities of Sta. Ana and Sta. Teresita and commercial centers within the province as the case maybe. If there will still be great demand of the product, production will be increased and eventually the Business Affair of the University will be tapped to accept orders and assist in the marketing of products. Continuous coordination with the LGU-DA’s shall also be undertaken in order to be updated on latest programs and projects related to organic farming and demand of organic fertilizer. Competition is also expected in the venture; hence, quality of the product should be maintained. Promotions through techno demo through the extension services of the university and the Department of Labor and Employment shall also be tapped to showcase the effectiveness of the product to win the interest of clients to patronize the product. V. TECHNICAL ASPECT The management and technical considerations in vermi culture and vermi compost production do not require sophisticated technology. It’s just a matter of following the desired procedure recommended by experts plus personal knowledge and interests shall ensure the success of the endeavor. Advantages of Vermicomposting for efficient disposal and utilization of farm and household wastes it can be easily established even at the backyard using small space and indigenous containers it is a sustainable type of composting: no need to re-establish composting beds and buying vermi every time since worm multiply by themselves Environment- friendly: minimize odor of decomposing manure and plant residues faster to produce compared to traditional composting Less labor required: no spraying and turning needed good quality compost product: fine texture and no foul odor *worms can also be fed to poultry and fishes as source of protein Steps in Vermicompost Production 1. Site Selection a. Select Suitable site that is shaded and well drained b. Accessible to water supply c. Accessible to source of compost materials. 2. Preparation of vermi beds a. Beds should be 1-1.5 meter width at any convenient length b. Two layers of hollow blocks can be used as sidings or any available hard material that does not decay c. No flooring and provide shed for protection from rain and direct sunlight. 3. Gathering and preparation of composting materials a. Gather farm, garden or kitchen wastes such as rice straw, animal manure, vegetable trimmings and fruit peelings. b. Break the animal manure if dry and compacted, shred or chop freshly grasses or rice straws at 2.5 cm. for easy decomposition; for good quality compost, incorporate leguminous leaves at 25% of the total volume of substrate. c. Place the composting materials into the prepared beds. d. thoroughly saturate the materials with water and e. f. cover the beds with plastic sheets to start decomposition (anaerobic process) 4. Stock the vermi a. When the substrate start to decompose (about 1-2 weeks), stock the beds with vermi. b. Stock 1 kg. of vermi for every 1 sq. meter of vermin bed. If stock is limited, 1 segment of the bed with 1 sq. m can be used initially for vermi multiplication. c. Introduce the vermi on different locations by burying them into the substrates. 5. Care of vermi beds a. Maintain approximately 60 % moisture of the substrates by sprinkling water. b. Continue filing the other segments of the bed with substrates so that it will undergo partial decomposition while waiting for the first segment to be harvested. 6. Harvesting the vermicompost a. Compost is ready for harvest within 4-6 weeks. b. During harvesting, separate the vermi from the vermicompost by hand picking. c. Sieve the compost to separate juvenile vermi and the coarse from fine materials. d. Place the separated vermi and the coarse materials to other beds with ready substrates. e. Store in a dry and shaded place for 10-14 days. e. after 10-14 days, re-sieve the packed compost to remove juvenile vermi that have hatched during storing. f. Repack the compost in 50 kg sacks. and store in dry and shaded place if not disposed immediately. Vermi Cast Utilization a. Vermi cast are secretions of worms usually found on top of the compost and this can be made into compost/vermi tea and used as drenched for vegetables and ornamental plants or foliar spray after proper dilution. Vermicompost analysis Total Nitrogen (N)% - 1.65 Total Phosphorous (P205)% - 0.31 Total Potassium (K2O)% - 0.10 Total Magnesium (MgO)% - 0.76 Sodium (Na)% - 0.03 Zinc (Zn)ppm - 375 Copper (Cu)ppm - 490 Manganese (Mn)ppm - 1.088 Iron (Fe)ppm - 19.485 Organic carbon % - 13.07 VI. CAMPUS PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE Dr Ferdinand C. Oli DOLE 02 Campus Executive Officer Mrs. Avelina M. Ayuyang Dr. Calixto B. Alicay DEAN College of Agriculture Project Advisers Mr. Quirino Jara Mrs. Genoveva Sapla Mr. Jay Omotoy DEAN College of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy Duties and Responsibilities Campus Executive Officer and Project Leader 1. Assume direct responsibility for the overall supervision and administration of the project; 2. Undertake planning to evolve plans and strategies for effective management of the project; 3. Formulate and implement policies upon consultation with CSU officials and DOLE; 4. Conduct meetings with personnel involved in the project; 5. Approve procurements and vouchers based on project needs. Dean, College of Agriculture and College of Business Administration Entrepreneurship and Accountancy 1. Assists the Project Leader in the overall supervision and administration of the Project; 2. Helps plan and recommend measures for the effective management of the Project; 3. Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the project and coordinate with the project adviser for the improvement of the project. Project Advisers 1. Assumes direct supervision in the implementation of the project; 2. Prepares and submit report to the CEO and DOLE; 3. Conduct regular monitoring of the project; 4. Conduct periodic check and review of financial records and information regarding the project. VII. STUDENT BENEFICIARIES PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM PROJECT MANAGER JESSIE N. FLORES CASHIER BOOKKEEPER MARKETING OFFICER AUDITOR MARYGINE T. CABANGLAN RODEL A. LOZANO SAMUEL S. DAPUYAN MARVIN M. CALIBUSO YES BUDDIES FERDINAND ARQUERO ARIEL B. SUNIO IAN P. CABANG MICHAEL V. SOLLER DOMINADOR CAYME EDMAR SA. LORDAN MARJOE R. SUPERABLE FERLIZ MEANN A. DOCTOLERO ALBEN JAY O. MALATA RICO RALPH G. SAPLA RONALD A. VILLARAO JR. DOMINICK LAR A. VILORIA RODERICK C. SOTELO SHERTON B. RUIZ JHON MICHAEL C. TACTAC EVARISTO R. CAOITAN JAMES I. VILORIA GILMAR J. GALAMGAM FRENLIE NITZ S. RAMOS HUZLY- VIE R. ABUYUAN CECILLE R. TABACO LOVELY GRACE A. BALAIS CLARENCE P. SARDON ANALYN R. JOVE JEANETH A. PADIOS AILEEN T. YANGAT ALTA GRACE ROXANNE T. AGCAOILI JOVELYN T. CALICDAN HORACIO U. VILLAR JR. NOIMIE R. LAGUNILLA GRETCHEN M. BUSCAS DEANNAR B. TOLENTINO ARSENIO B. ALMAZAN JR. KRIZEL A. DANCEL MARIVEL S. TABASAN JOVELYN Q. SAMBRANA MARICON V. BERSAMINA MADELYN F. TOLENTINO MICHELLE F. GARDAYA VANESSAH G. VALENCIA APRIL JOY T. MONZON ADEL PEZEL D. RAMAZAN ALPHA P. JARA KAREN JOY A. ORTEZA LEE ANN A. LEONADOR CHRISTY ANN P. PANEDA KEVIN RIVAD Student-Beneficiaries 1. Assumes direct implementation of planned activities and management of their project; 2. Provide additional labor for maintenance as their equity to the project; 3. Keep record of all activities, experiences and financial status of the project; 4. Report any untoward observations/problems encountered in the project; 5. Submits monthly report to the project adviser VII. FINANCIAL ASPECT ITEM OF EXPENDITURE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE I. Construction of Worm Beds Bill of materials Post: 4 pcs 4” x 4” x 10’ @ 22.00/bd. ft. 8 pcs. 4” x 4” x 8’ @ 22.00/bd. ft. Post Strap: 24 pcs @ 75.00/pc CSU-G Counterpart Student Administration 1144.00 2346.00 1800.00 2420.00 2772.00 176.00 3750.00 12387.50 2500.00 1000.00 1320.00 130.00 1200.00 1250.00 14000.00 Bottom Cord : 15 pcs. 2” x 6” x 10’@ 22.00/bd. ft. Thrust: 18 pcs. 2” x 3” x 14’ @ 22.00/bd. ft. Brace: 4 pcs. 2” x 3” x 4’ @ 22.00/bd. ft. Cement: 15 bags @ 250.00/ bag CHB 4” width: 991 pcs. @ 12.50/pc. Mixed Gravel: 2.5 cu. m. @ 1000.00/cu. m. Fine Sand: 1 cu. m. Iron Bar: 12 pcs. 9 mm. @ 110.00/pc. Tie wire no 16: 2 kilos. @ 65.00/kilo Common Nail: 10 kilos at 120.00/kilo Bamboo: 50 pcs. @ 25.00/pc Nipa: 112 bundles (25 pcs./bundle @ 125.00 2. Estimated Labor for the construction of Worm Beds = 30% of total material cost 3. Cost of Materials for operation 2 pcs. round shovel @ 250.00/pc. 2 pcs. Flat shovel @ 250.00/pc. 2 pcs. rake @ 250.00/pc. 1 pc. Tying Needle 5 pcs. Bolo @ 350.00/pc. 2 units Wheel Borrow @ 2500.00/pc. 4. Cost of Equipment DOLE 14458.65 500.00 500.00 500.00 200.00 1750.00 5000.00 1 unit Multi Purpose Shredder GR-650R1 Specifications: Machine dimension-1600x750x1270 Machine Weight-72 kg. Fuel Tank Volume- 2000 ml. Oil Tank Volume- 600 ml. Engine- OHV Air Cooled Gasoline Engine Power- 6.5 Hp. Speed- 3600 RPM Fuel Consumption- 750 ml/h at maximum speed Standard Accessories- 1.25” interval bar screen Machine Capabilities- Shreds up to 1.2 tons of wet organic solid waste, Shred Grass, coconut husk, dry leads, tree branches up to 10mm diameter, corn stalk, rice straw, sunflower stalks, baggass, etc. 95000.00 1 Set Kuliglig for hauling substrates/products Description: Engine- 7 HP Kubota Diesel Engine Transmission- Heavy Duty (Equity Machineries) Trailer- Standard (Equity Machineries) 90000.00 1 Unit Mechanical Beam Platform Scale Description: Model FBP-500R Brand- Fuji Capacity- 500 kg x 200 g Platform Size – 450 mm x 674 mm 5. Lot: Housing/Production Area (72 Sq. Meters) Area for piling/drying substrates (200 Sq. M.) Total Area: 272 Sq. Meters @ 250.00/Sq. M. 15000.00 68000.00 6. 20 kilos worm SUB TOTAL 82458.65 20000.00 276645.5 DIRECT COST Operating Costs for the Production of Vermi Compost from market/agricultural waste per cycle of 60 days ( for 8 cycles) Costs of Labor (per hour at 25.00/hour) Gathering and hauling of substrates-2400 hrs. Partial Drying of Substrates- 300 hrs Pre decomposition of substrates- 300 hrs (un -aerobic decomposition) Shredding of pre decomposed substrates. 300 hrs. Re-piling of substrates- 300 hrs. Introduction of earthworm(This Includes maintenance like turning, watering etc.) -600 hrs. Harvesting of vermicast: 2400 hrs. This includes: Air drying of harvested vermicast Sieving of vermicast Partial Packaging of air dried vermicast Partial storing of bagged vermicast Second sieving of vermicast Bagging of Vermicast 60000.00 7500.00 7500.00 7500.00 7500.00 15000.00 60000.00 Direct Materials Cost of sacks 80 pcs for hauling @ 15.00 each 960 pcs. With polyethylene @ 20.00 Printing of sack @ 10.00/ sack 1200.00 19200.00 9600.00 Cost of fuel in shredding: 50.00/per hour x 150 hrs Cost of Water Rental @ 750.00/ cycle Requested amount for the operating cost for two months ( note: the project will be self sustaining After two (2) months of operation) TOTAL 7500.00 6000.00 165000.00 Basic assumptions Recovery from the total volume of substrates by weight to vermicast = 60 % 97500.00 Source of substrates will be biodegradable market/agricultural waste Production component from preparation of substrates to harvesting of vermicast will be 60 days Ratio of Earthworm to pre decomposed substrates will be : 1 kg per 1 Square meter substrates Earthworm reproduce exponentially, a kilo can reproduce 40 kilos in eight months 1 ton biodegradable materials = 300 kilos vermicompost Direct cost to produce 300 kilos of vermicompost: 1390.00 Price per kilo of vermicompost: 5.00 Net income per ton per cycle of 60 days: 110.00 Target production per month: 120 bags @ 50 kilos at 250.00 per bag = 30000.00 Target Production for eight months (duration of the project): 960 bags = 240000.00 Direct cost to produce 960 bags:222400 + 20000.00 cost of worm: 242400.00 Net income for eight months from sale of vermicompost: 17600.00 Net income from sale of worm at 1000.00 per kilo: 320000.00 Net Profit Sharing: 70%, Student Share; 20%, Savings and 10%, Administrative Cost and Maintenance Sales and income is projected to increase at 5 % per year Production Cost is also expected to rise at 5 % per year VIII. SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Develop entrepreneurial capabilities of students to manage an enterprise and gain considerable income while in school. Helps promote the utilization of waste resources into worthwhile product for human consumption. Helps promote in the implementation of organic agriculture and in effect reduce the utilization of inorganic fertilizer. Vermicompost is a non-toxic organic substance which is environment friendly to be used for crop production activities. Republic of the Philippines CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY Gonzaga, Cagayan OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION TERMINAL REPORT Title of Project : Vermi Compost Production Approved DOLE Funding : P 286,000.00 Accredited Co Partner : CSU, Gonzaga, Cagayan Authorized Representative : Dr. Ferdinand C. Oli Contact Person : Mr. Quirino S. Jara Designation : Special Projects Coordinator Beneficiaries : 30 Students from the College of Agriculture and College of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship The Cagayan State University Gonzaga through the participation of the College of Agriculture and College of Business Administration and Accountancy Students were able to avail of the Department of Labor and Employment Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Program. The amount of TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY SIX THOUSAND PESOS (286,000.00) was awarded to the 30 student YES beneficiaries last June 13, 2913 at CSU, Andrews, Caritan Tuguegarao City. The amount was used for the purchase of bill of materials for the construction of Vermi House and Vermi Beds, Tools and Equipments, Sacks, Gasoline and Lubricants and other materials needed in the production of Vermi Compost. As an accredited co partner, CSU, Gonzaga shouldered the following expenses as its counterpart: 1. Expenses incurred in the conduct of training on ENTREPRENEURIAL AND SKILLS TRAINING ON VERMI COMPOST PRODUCTION amounting to 25,000.00 pesos 2. Provision of Labor in the construction of the Vermi House and Vermi Beds. 3. Provision of Lot (land area) for the project. 4. Provision of stock room for the supplies and equipments. 5. Student labor for the production of vermi compost. Tools, equipments and other supplies needed were completely purchased in accordance with the approved project proposal and were awarded to the student YES beneficiaries. Among the activities undertaken for your assessment and ready reference were as follows: Were able to sell 29 bags of vermi compost amounting to 7,700.00 pesos About to harvest around 30 bags this week. Water supply was improved for the maintenance of the project. The project is being managed smoothly as planned. Production activities were delayed due to advent of typhoon vinta that dilapidated the housing, however, it was immediately fixed. Prepared and submitted by: QUIRINO S. JARA Coordinator, Special Projects ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SKILLS TRAINING ON VERMI COMPOST PRODUCTION CSU-DOST Product Development and Training Center June 28-29, 2013 Sponsored By: Department of Labor and Employment YES Program and Cagayan State University, Gonzaga, Cagayan TRAINING DESIGN WHO Graduating students of the College of Agriculture and College of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy YES Buddies WHY Entrepreneurial Development and Skills Training on Vermi Compost Production WHEN June 28-29,2013 WHERE CSU-DOST Product Development and Training Center, CSU, Gonzaga, Cagayan WHAT FOR (Achievement Based Objectives) At the end of the two (2) days training, participants should have: 1. Learned the right values, principles and practices in running a Vermi Compost Production Project; 2. Learned their responsibilities as YES Buddies in managing the project; 3. Identified the do’s and don’ts in Vermi Compost Production as a business; 4. Learned how to handle situation that could affect the functionality of their project. HOW: (Learning Task) Task # 1 KNOWING ONE ANOTHER 1. Give one meta card crayon or pentel pen for each participant and let them draw a thing that signifies or symbolizes their entrepreneurial capabilities. Task # 2 Overview of Objectives (see ACHIEVEMENT BASED OBJECTIVES) 1. Participants will listen to the lectures 2. Perform the different steps in vermin compost production using different substrates. 3. Present their output for critiquing. Task # 3 Expectation setting 1. Give another meta card, pentel pen per participant 2. Let them trace their hand on the card and write their expectations and or want to learn based on the achievement based objectives. 2.1. Content/ Session 2.2. Facilitators/ Speakers 2.3. Co-participants/YES Buddies Budgetary requirements Materials and Equipment Shredder Diesel: 10 liters Sacks: 100 pcs. Brown Envelope: 30 pcs Note Book: 30 pcs. Bond Paper: 1 ream Cartolina: 10 pcs Pentel Pen: 2 pcs. Safety pin: 55 pcs. Free ( Administration) P 500.00 P 1500.00 P 550.00 P 825.00 P 130.00 P 100.00 P 70.00 P 27.50 Meals………………………………………………………………………… Snacks: ……………………………………………………………………. P 11000.00 P 4400.00 Honorarium of Trainors ………………………………………….. Miscellaneous Expenses…………………………………………… Buffer Fund………………………………………………………………. P 1000.00(optional) P 1000.00 P 3897.50 Total ……………………………………………………………………….. P 25,000.00 PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE ACTIVITY PERSONS INVOLVED/INCHARGE June 28, 2013 7:30-8:00 Registration Select YES Buddies 8:00-10:00 Opening Program Opening Prayer/National Anthem Select Yes Buddies 10:00-12:00 Message Dr. Ferdinand C. Oli, Campus Executive Officer Rationale of the DOLE YES Program Ms. Liezel Magno Labor and Employment Officer Knowing one another Dr. Genoveva Sapla Extension Coordinator snacks Select YES Buddies Overview of Activities/Objectives/ Expectaion Setting Mr. Quirino S. Jara Coord. Special Programs and Projects Introduction of Lecturer/Trainor Dr. Calixto Alicay College Dean, BS Agriculture Lecture and Training Proper Team Building and Values Formation 12:00-1:00 Lunch Break 1:00-3:00 Continuation of Lecture: Project Planning, Management, Marketing and Evaluation Ms. Karen Tabangay Guidance Counselor CSU-DOST PDTC In-charge Prof. Avelina Ayuyang Dean College of Business Administration and Accountancy Prof. Jay Omotoy Prof Charisma V. Paraiso Faculty, CBEA 3:00-5:00 Snacks Select YES Buddies Participants Continuation of lecture and open forum June 29, 2013 7:30-8:00 Registration Select YES Buddies 8:00-12:00 Lecture on Vermi Compost Production and open forum Dr. Imelda S. Salzar Research & Extension Staff Mr. Quirino S. Jara Coordinator, Special Projects 12:00-1:00 Lunch Break Select YES Buddies 1:00-4:00 Demo on Vermi Compost Production Trainors and YES Buddies 4:00-5:00 Closing Program Lecturers, YES Buddies and Guests Note: Program period/time of sessions is all based on assumptions. Still it will possibly change depending on the speaker module or time allotment. PREPARED BY: QUIRINO S. JARA Coordinator, Special Projects APPROVED: FERDINAND C. OLI, Ph.D. Campus Executive Officer Pictorials taken during the Entrepreneurial Development and Skills Training on Vermi Compost Production VERMI COMPOSTING1 Ervin T. Leonador, Ph. D2 Vermicomposting is a process of production of organic fertilizer with an aid of earthworms (AFRICAN NIGHT CRAWLER). The worms are fed with any form of waste mixed with aged or dried feces of farm animals (substrate). It is also advisable to mix leguminous plant (Madre de Cacao, Ipil-Ipil, etc.). The worms are the main actor in the process because they are the ones that produce organic fertilizer through their feces or casting (vermicompost). Substrates are ingested by these worms and pass through their simple digestive tract. In the process of digestion, a capsule like will be expelled called casting. Vermicompost is rich in NPK, micronutrients, beneficial soil microbes and also contain plant growth hormones and enzymes. It is scientifically growth promoter and also plant protector from pest and diseases. “African Night Crawler” (Eudrillus euginae) breakdown farm waste, aged animal manure, converting this into product called “casting” or “blackgold”. This worm has a flat belly and appears reddish in color; it grows up to 1.5 grams only for a mature worm, just the size of the drinking straw. They are hermaphrodite having both male & female sex organ but it cannot impregnate itself. But when two worms come together they both get pregnant. Sexually mature worms breed every week and produce 2 to 10 worms per cocoon capsule. Casting as organic fertilizer is comparable to “guano” (James foz Reanon). The availability of farm cast that are normally waste through burning can be made productively through vermicomposting. Eventually the problems of farmers on continuous rise of inorganic fertilizer will be eliminated with the use of vermicompost. Soil fertility amelioration can also be gradually obtained by continuous organic fertilizer application. This is environmental friendly of converting waste into a beneficial resource without burning and disposing them to garbage collector. Cash flow of farmers can also be increased because the breeder earthworm can be sold at Php1, 000 per kilogram. Casting or vermicompost can also be sold at Php350 per bag, one bag will have a 50 kilogram; or at the maximum of Php10.00 per kilogram. Vermi Composting Procedure 1. Feeding materials for the Worms The feeding materials are the following: Rice Straw Leguminous Plant (Madre de Cacao) Banana Bracts Different animal manure (hog manure, goat manure and cattle manure) 2. Putting the substrate The substrates defend upon the available resources or wastes generated in the household or in the farm. Rice straw, when used as substrate is rich in carbon which is very essential micronutrient for plant growth. Madre de cacao leaves and/or Ipil-ipil leaves are rich in nitrogen which is responsible for the vegetative growth of plants. Banana bract is rich in phosphorous which is responsible for root development. These plant materials also provide organic matter to the Vermi compost aside from the macro and micro-elements that they provide. Animal manures (hog, goat, cattle) enrich the Vermi compost with the major elements essential for plant growth (NPK) besides the trace elements that they provide. The substrates will be piled like preparing a hamburger layering will be done for each of the feeding materials used. The sequence will be applied up to the level of the Vermi bed. Before putting the worms the substrates will be allowed to partially decompose within a period of three (3) weeks. 3. Stocking the worms Two to three weeks after putting the substrate it is time for stocking worms. The worms will be distributed around the piled substrates. 4. Turning the substrates The substrates will be turned every after two weeks to loosen it in order that air could penetrate inside the pile for ease of decomposition. 5. Watering Watering will be done once a week or as the need arise until a drop of water or two can be produced when the substrates are squeezed. BIBLIOGRAPHY Diao, M., Midrid Agribusiness Digest Magazine. Entrepinoy.,July 2011. Vol. 22. No.3. pp.37 Samonte, P., Monthly Agriculture Magazine . Small Town Succeeds in Building Agri. Tech. Hub. July 2011. Vol.22, no.15- no.7, pp.12-13 Tejada, S., Midrid Agribusiness Digest Magazine. BSWM jumpstart., Massive adoption of vermicompost. April 2012. Vol.22, no.12. pp.4 Internet http://cropsreview.com/nightcrawler.html http://oden-babiera.webs.com http://unclejimswormform.com/index.php/151 http://www.tribune.com/20010305/agro.htm www.floridagardener.com/misc/fertifacts.htm www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/handle