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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30THAUGUST 2020)
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL
CONFERENCE ON
“VERMICOMPOSTING AND ORGANIC
FARMING”
ORGANIZED BY
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY&
ZOOLOGY
NARASINGH CHOUDHURY
AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR,
ODISHA (NAAC ACCREDITED)
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCES, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE,
TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY,
KATHMANDU, NEPAL
AND
SUPPORTED BY
THE WORLD BANK
29TH & 30THAUGUST 2020
INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR 2020, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY N.C (A) COLLEGE,
JAJPUR, ODISHA, INDIA AND TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, KATHMANDU, NEPAL
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
DECLARATION
1. Name of Author- DR SARADA PRASAD MOHAPATRA
2. Nationality- Indian
3. Title of the E Book- VERMICOMPOST TECHNOLOGY AND
SUSTAINABLE FARMING
4. ISBN- 978-93-5416-150-6
5. Place of Publication- Jajpur
6. Year of Publication- 2020
7. Edition- 1st
8. Language of the Book- English
9. E mail- ncacjajpur@gmail.com
I/We do hereby solemnly affirm that all the information furnished by
me/us are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. The research
papers published here are submitted by the
Academicians/Researchers/Faculties/Resource Persons in the
International Virtual Conference on “Vermicomposting and Organic
Farming” 29th & 30th August 2020 Organized by Department of Botany
and Zoology, Narasingh Choudhury Autonomous College, Jajpur,
Odisha in association with Department of Environmental Science,
Trichandra College, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal and
supported by the World Bank..
Date- 30.08.2020 Dr Sarada Prasad Mohapatra
Organizing Secretary & Author International virtual conference2020
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
FOREWORD
With vast Modernization, high population growth rate and rapid
urbanization, the production of solid waste is increasing day by day
and the nature of waste is completely different from the past and solid
waste management is more complex today than ever before. The
conventional aerobic and physicochemical treatment processes
adopted for treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater in the
developed countries have sparse chances of success in developing
countries due to high energy requirements, operation and
maintenance costs, and constraints in stable maintenance. Thus, it has
become imperative to resort to simpler alternative technologies which
are natural, less mechanized and simpler in operation and
maintenance.
Vermiculture appears to be an innovative sustainable
technology for waste treatment which holds a promising future in the
field of wastewater management. Presently it is being used
successfully for solid waste management. The concept of using
earthworms for waste processing is not a new one. Nature has been
effectively doing this since millions of years. However, the concept of
harnessing this natural earthworm ecosystem for treatment of
municipal and industrial wastewater is a relatively new one.
Vermiculture means culturing of earthworms and it involves
harnessing an entire ecosystem consisting of earthworms, beneficial
bacteria and plant root zone for treatment of wastes.
Vermicomposting is one of eco-friendly process.
4
In vermiculture, earthworms are effectively used for
maximizing the growth of aerobic bacteria for waste stabilization.
When organic waste applied to a soil containing earthworms, simple
compounds are readily degraded by bacteria, while complex wastes
are first broken down to simpler ones by enzymes produced by
earthworms and are then degraded by the bacteria. Since earthworms
have an aerobic gut, the predominance of' aerobic bacteria harbored
by earthworms ensures maximum energy utilization resulting in
more biomass production, which in turn speeds up waste
decomposition to a higher rate. Plants and biosoil also play important
role in vermiculture. While plants absorb the metabolites of
earthworms and bacteria, biosoil is the medium for activities of
bacterial earthworms and plants. Soil particles serve as the grinding
medium for earthworm and supply plant nutrients. Vermicastings
are the excreta of earthworms, rich in bacteria and plant nutrients.
Vermicastings have beneficial effect on plant growth due to presence
of micro and macro nutrients. Thus all the components are
interdependent. With the above understanding the vermiculture
ecosystem can be assumed to consist of earthworms, bacteria, organic
matter, plants, soil and rock particles, pests, and vermicastings, each
performing a distinct function. vermiculture is rightly considered as a
self-designed, self-regulated, self-improve! and self-powered ecosystem.
“Atmanirvar Bharat” concept emphasised the active
participation in post-COVID global supply chains as well as the need
to attract foreign direct investment. In this context Vermicomposting
Technology will be a game changer in sustainable farming in which
the farming practices will result in high quality products of Global
market value.
Dr Sarada Prasad Mohapatra
Organizing Secretary& Author
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
SRI PRANAB PRAKASH DAS
HON’BLE MLA, JAJPUR, ODISHA
CHIEF PATRON& MEMBER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
N.C (A) COLLEGE, JAJPUR
MISSION & VISION
UPGRADATION OF NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS
COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA
TO
GLOBAL UNIVERSITY BY 2022
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Chief Patron- Sri Pranab Prakash Das, Hon’ble MLA, Jajpur, Odisha
Patron- Prof Fakir Mohan Mallick, Principal, N.C (A) College, Jajpur, Odisha
Convener- Dr. Biswajit Mohapatra, Asst Prof in Botany & I/C UGC
Organizing Secretary- Dr. Sarada Prasad Mohapatra, Asst Prof & Head, Dept of Botany
Jt. Organizing Secretary- Dr.KshanPrabha Sahoo, Lecturer, Dept of Botany
NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1. Prof B.C.Tripathy, JNU, New Delhi & Former VC, Ravenshaw University,
Cuttack, Odisha, India
2. Dr Jyotna Jain, Associate Prof in Zoology, Kanoria MahilaPG College, Rajasthan
3. Prof Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Head, Dept of Zoology, N.C(A) College, Jajpur
4. Dr Mukul C Kalita, Principal Scientist, Assam Agriculture University, Assam
5. Dr R.K.Nayak, Associate Prof., Dept of Environment Science & Director, CDC,
F.M University, Balasore, Odisha, India
6. Dr.M.K.Jena, Lead Consultant(Research), SCSTRTI, Govt of Odisha, India
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1. Juliet Dhanraj, Field programming coordinator, Green economy, Canada
2. Mr. Debraj Behera, Livelihood Specialist, International Consultant, World Bank
3. Dr Ulrich Berk, Director, German Institute of Homa Therapy, Germany
4. Dr Ahmad K Majumder, Dean, Faculty of Science, Stamford University,
Bangladesh
5. Praveen K Regmi, Faculty, Dept of Env Sc, Trichandra Campus, Tribhuban
University, Kathmandu, Nepal
6. Bai Sji Yin Guang Bo, Principal Researcher & Founder, Bai Shi Yin Organisation,
Singapore
7. Dr Jacob Orimaye, Lect&Resewarcher, Dept of Forest Resorce and Wildlife
Management, ESU, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
8. Kishor Maharjan, Head, Dept of Env Sc, Trichandra College, Tribhuban
University, Kathmandu, Nepal
9. Dr KhanandaPaudel, Technical Advisor, Environmental and Sustainable
Development Research Centre, Nepal
PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE
1. Praveen K Regmi, Faculty, Dept of Env Sc, Trichandra College, TU, Kathmandu,
Nepal
2. Kishor Maharjan, Head, Dept of Env Sc, Trichandra College, Tu, Kathmandu,
Nepal
3. Prof M.K.Mohapatra, HOD, Zoology, N.C(A) College, Jajpur, Odisha
4. Prof P.Kaushik(retired)Dept of Microbiology, Gurukul Kangri Viswavidyalaya,
Haridwar, UK
5. Dr Sandeep K Panda, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Odisha
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
It gives me immense pleasure to know that our Esteemed Institution
Narasingh Choudhury Autonomous College in association with Dept
of Environment Science, Trichandra College, Tribhuvan University,
Kathmandu, Nepal going to Organize an International Virtual
Conference on ”Vermicomposting and Organic Farming” on 29thand
30th August 2020 supported by the World Bank in which
International speakers from Canada, Nepal, Bhutan will discuss
about various aspects related to Vermicompost Technology.
I congratulate all the members of organizing committee and
staff members of Botany and Zoology fraternity and all the
participants for a grand success. My special thanks also to Juliet
Dhanraj, Debraj Behera, Hemlal Bhattarai, Kishor Maharjan,
Praveen K Regmi, Dr Mukul C Kalita, Prof M.K.Mohapatra, Dr
Sandeep K Panda respectively for readily accepting my invitation to
be the resource person in the International Virtual Conference 2020.
I also extend my profound gratitude to Sri Bhaba Prakash Das,
Chairman, Municipality, Jajpur for his gracious presence.
(DR SARADA PRASAD MOHAPATRA)
(MSc. PhD FMERC FAPS)
Head, Dept of Botany & Academic Head
N.C (A) College, Jajpur
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
It is a great pleasure to know that Dept. of Botany & Zoology of N.C.
Autonomous College, Jajpur is going to organize International Virtual
Conference on “VERMICOMPOSTING AND ORGANIC FARMING” from 29th
to 30th August 2020 during COVID-19 Pandemic situation . The resource
person from Nepal, Bhutan, Assam and Odisha will present their paper in
presence of world wide participants to achieve the AATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT
goal as well as climate change pandemic teach us to work together to create a
peaceful world .
I congratulate all the members of organizing Committee and staff members of
Botany and Zoology of N.C.Autonomous College, Jajpur of our esteemed
institution to make this International virtual Conference a grand Success.
Thanking You All.
( Dr.Biswajit Mohapatra) CONVENOR, IVC
Email : drbiswajit4647@gmail.com
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
I would like to congratulate all the members of Organizing
Committee of International Conference which is going to be
organized by Dept of Botany and Zoology, N.C (A) College, Jajpur,
Odisha in association with Trichandra College, Tribhuvan University,
Kathmandu, Nepal on 29th and 30th August 2020 supported by the
World Bank. I would also congratulate all the participants across the
Globe for being a part of such an important topic as there is hue and
cry everywhere around the Globe for Organic farming. I hope the
speakers from around the Globe will discuss the topic relating to
“Atmanirvar Bharat” concept of self reliance.
Thank you all
( PROF F.M.MALLICK)
Principal
N.C (A) College, Jajpur, Odisha
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
Dear All,
On behalf of the International virtual conference, it is my pleasure as the
joint organizing secretary to invite all the academicians, great scientists, young
researchers, social activists, delegates and students from India and abroad to
attend the international virtual conference on vermicomposting and organic
farming organized by department of Botany and Zoology Narasingha
Choudhury Autonomous College Jajpur, Odisha, India on 29th and 30th August
2020 in association with Department of Environmental Science, Trichandra
College, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal and World Bank. This is a
platform which brings together the groups of participants from all over the
world to present and exchange their ideas and promote high level research in
global scenario.
This conference is covering the Atmanirbhar Bharat concept globally through
Vermicomposting and Organic Farming. The basic principle behind this
conference is to cover the practical aspect of the topic. So, we are looking
forward to an excellent meeting with great personalities of different countries
who will share their exciting views on the present context.
All The Best !!!
Dr. Kshan Prabha Sahoo,
lecturer in Botany,
Joint Organising Secretary,
International Virtual Conference on Vermicomposting and Organic Farming,
Narasingha Choudhury Autonomous College,
Jajpur, Odisha, India
11
M. K. Mohapatra
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
I am extremely glad to be a part of the International Virtual Seminar on
Vermicomposting and Organic Farming, organised by Department of Botany
and Zoology of N. C. Autonomous College, Jajpur, Odisha, on 29th and 30th
August 2020.
I wish all the success to the team of organisers for the successful conduct of
the virtual seminar and the publication of E Book.
Prof Manoj Kumar Mohapatra
Head, Dept. of Zoology
N.C (A) College, Jajpur
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
First of all, I would like to thank the organisers for hosting this webinar entitled
“International Virtual Conference on Vermicomposting and Organic Farming”
in time.
Organic Agriculture has the potential to reverse the ongoing trends of soil and
environmental degradation under the conventional farming in India. This system
of farming can reduce CO2, N2O and CH4; which contribute to Global
Warming. Technical and financial support will be required for development of
vermicomposting unit in Farmer’s household areas. Nowadays, PKVY, NMSA
& NHB are providing financial supports to needy farmers for setting up of
vermicompost unit with minimum dimension of 10*4*2 cubic feet which equals
to 80 cubic feet. A farmer can earn atleast Rs 20,000 per year on sale by setting
up a vermicompost unit.
Wishing the webinar, a grand success.
Thanking you all.
Dr. Mukul Ch. Kalita
Principal Scientist
AAU, Assam, India
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
15
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
MESSAGE
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
CONTENTS
SL NO
NAME TOPIC NAME
1 Hemlal Bhattarai
Role of Organic Farming for Sustainable Food
Productionin the Nearest Future
2 *Kishor Maharjan
**Praveen K
Regmi
Vermicomposting and Organic farming
3 ManojK
Mohapatra
Use of Earthworms in Organic Farming and Waste
Management through Vermicomposting
4 Dr. Mukul Ch.
Kalita Sustainable Organic Farming through
Vermicomposting Technology
5 Dr Sarada Prsad
Mohapatra
Polyhouse Farming As Rural Entrepreneurship
6 1Biswajit
Mohapatra 2 Ranjit
Mohapatra
Organic Farming : A Sustainable Agriculture in
Present Scenario
7 1*Amit Kumar
Sharma,1 Arvind
Kumar Sharma, 2
Munish Sharma
Application of Vermicomposting Technology for
Organic Aquaculture
8 Dr. Anandini Rout Role of Vermicompost and Organic Farming in
Agriculture of India
9 Dr. Arpita Das
Ms. Vanessa Jena
Ecofriendly Pest Repellent
10 Dr Arpita Das
Barsha
Priyadarshini Aditi
Harichandan
Application of Bai Shi Yin Guang Bo Wisdom-Light
Technology on Vigna radiata plant
11 Arun K. Rath1 and
Sabita Rani
Mishra2
Studies on application of kitchen waste compost and
vermicompost on production of selective leafy
vegetables on roof top
12 Mrs. Binita Rai1&
Ms. Anjali Prasad
Significance of Organic farming and Sustainable
farming: A case study of Sikkim State
13 Biplab Auddya Organic Farming and Sustainable food production
17
Biplab Auddya Organic Farming and Sustainable food production
14 Dr. Kshan Prabha
Sahoo
VERMICOMPOSTING: A Gateway to Organic
Farming
15 1Kalpita Bhatta*, 2Hemant Kumar
Patra, 2Shantilata
Sahoo and 1Arsia
Tabish.
Effect of fly ash on physical and biochemical
parameters of Macrotylomauniflorum.
16 Keshari Prasad
Mohanty
Organic Farming: A Way towards New India
17 Dr (Mrs) Mamata
Pandey
Enzymatic Potential of Sericulture Waste during
Vermicomposting
18 Dr Manas Ranjan
Satpathy
Vermitechnology- A factsheet
19 Manjusha
Tyagi1*Rukhsar
Parveen2, Ankita3,
Santosh Arya4
Vermicomposting and Organic Farming
20 Dr.Manna Milian
EFFECT OF HEAVY METAL LIKE ZINC (Zn2+) IN
ORGANICALLY AMENDED SOILS
21 Milimita Padhi
Sustainability in Agriculture
22 1MUNIT SHARMA, 2RISHI THAKUR, 2PARDEEP
KUMAR, 2SUNIL
KUMAR AND 2MUNISH
SHARMA*
ORGANIC FARMING: A MODERN APPROACH
FOR CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL AND
AROMATIC PLANTS
23 PritiPragyan Ray
and Pranati
Pattnaik1
STUDIES ON CONSERVATION GENETICS OF
TASAR SILKWORM ANTHERAEA MYLITTA
DRURY (LEPIDOPTERA: SATURNIIDAE)
ECORACES AVAILABLE IN THE STATE OF
ODISHA USING DNA MARKERS
24 Puspanjali Parida
and Nibedita
Mohapatra
LIFE CYCLE, COILING PATTERN,
HISTOLOGICAL ALTERNATION AND
ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME OF SOIL DWELLING
EARTHWORM EXPOSED TO FURADAN
25 Rajlaxmi Mohanty Application of Vermitechnology in aquaculture : A
Review
18
26 Rukhsar Parveen1,
Ankita2, Anamika
Rana3 and
Manjusha Tyagi1*
Organic agricultural practices and food production
sustainability
27 *1Sagarika Parida, 2Dushmanta
Sabara
Vermicompost and its Impact on Growth of Green
gram Seedlings
28 Sandhyarani Kuanr Socio- Economic Prospect of Eri silk worm and
vermicomposting in Western Odisha.
29 Sasmita Panda*,
Prasanta Kumar
Kar1 and Pramod
Kumar Satapathy2
Effect of metallic ions, pH, moisture content of host
plant leaves on silk formation in tasar silkworm
Antheraea mylitta Drury: A review
30 Dr Satya Narayan
Sahoo
Vermicomposting : An alternative to organic
biowaste disposal techniques
31 Smruti Snigdha
Panda
Vermicompost as fish feed and fish manure
32 Sujata Mahapatra Organic farming and microbial diversity
33 Sunita Satapathy
Conversion of Inorganic Wastes (Fly Ash) into
Organic Manure for Sustainable Crop Production
by Using Vermitechnology
34 *Suprava Bisoyi
Application of Vermitechnology in Aquaculture
35 *Umakanta Serhy
Vermicomposting and Organic Farming
36 Dr Brundaban
Sahu
Role of E Commerce in Agribusiness in India
37 Dr Bipra Narayan
Mallick
Vermicompost Business for Atmanirvar Bharat
38 Manjusha
Tyagi1*Rukhsar
Parveen2, Ankita3,
Santosh Arya4
Vermicomposting and Organic Farming
19
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Hemlal Bhattarai
Lecturer & Dean Research and Industrial Linkages
Centre for Appropriate Technology
Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan
Correspondence:b.hemlal@gmail.com
TOPIC: Role of Organic Farming for Sustainable Food
Productionin the Nearest Future
Introduction
The social and economic impact of the current pandemic COVID-19 in becoming much
visible in current time. There is stress at regional, national and global label seeing increasing
challenges for food security and sustainability from grassroot label of economy. It has
considerably become vital for prioritized actions in the domain of agriculture and its
sustainability. Studies has shown that there is crosscutting influence of ‘Food and
Agriculture’ in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fig-1: Organic Agriculture and SDGs.
Source:https://www.eosta.com/nl/nieuws/biologische-landbouw-en-de-duurzame-
ontwikkelingsdoelen
20
Agriculture is backbone of every economy. The pandemic has hard hit the production and
manufacturing industries including the agriculture sectors. There is needs and approaches for
enhancing the growth and sustainability of agricultural sectors post COVID-19, so as to
enhance productivity through efficient and humble approaches. The thirst for research,
innovation and investment in agriculture sectors seems to be priority of concern in current
time. The need of food sustainability for the population of 7.5 billion of the world and
organic farming should be considered in close proximity.
Understanding Organic Farming
The underline definition of ‘Organic Farming’ is agricultural system that uses ecologically
based pest controls and biological fertilizers derived largely from animal and plant wastes
and nitrogen-fixing cover crops. The concept is clear in terms of usages and approaches to
farming that proved to be more harmonious with the environment.Organic farming is an
agricultural system which originated early in the 20th century in reaction to rapidly changing
farming practices.
Environment is important parameter of consideration while thinking of farming and food
sustainability. The role of farming should be well guided with ethical concern of its impact to
environment. There are growing threads of chemical fertilizers and chemical approaches used
for food productivity endangering the health and environment.
Organic farming which has strong base of origin of organic approaches poses wider benefits
to health and environment in other hand. Some of the promising benefits as follows;
1. Less soil and water pollution
2. Reduction in exposure to pesticides and chemicals
3. Building the healthy soils
4. Help in combatting erosion
5. Low greenhouse gas emission
6. Conservation of water
7. Discouraging Algal Blooms
8. Enhance animal health and welfare
9. Healthy biodiversity
10. Many more…
21
Fig-2: The main principles and effects of organic farming
Source- Karolina F, and Anna G, ‘Effect of Organic Farming on Soil Microbiological
Parameters’.
The study by Karolina F, and Anna G. further concluded that the organic farming system;
- affects the biological activity of the soil.
- changes the structure of the soil microorganism’s community.
- has a positive effect on soil quality compared with conventional farming systems.
- The impact of different farming methods, including organic, should be monitored
with a perspective of long-term cultivation
There are limited actions taken on organic approach as it is more labor intensive and has not
much proven records of productivity. Also, there are limited avenue visible for the
implementation in large scale farming.
The more promising outcome from the organic farming is on health and wellbeing of people
and environment as a whole. There is growing pressure for going organic with noticeable
support in many countries. The policies and regulations are becoming critical in many
countries across globe to support and enhance organic farming for the food sustainability.
Global status of organic farming as of 2015 as follow.
22
Fig-3: Global Share of Organic Farming
It is also quite interesting to know that the land under organic farming of some critical
countries where the share of Australia is quite visible on the top of the list and India happen
to be on the 9th spots.
Fig-4: Land under organic farming by countries
The economic dimension of organic farming to improve food security as reflected by Laleh
M., et al in his study as reflected in tables 1, 2 and 3 below.
Table-1: Prioritizing production optimization capability of organicfarming to improve food
security according to path coefficient estimates
Priorities Production Optimization Estimate
1 Improving efficiency in areas with low inputs (pesticides,
herbicides, etc.)
0.82
2 Reducing crop damage 0.81
23
3 Reducing risk of production 0.73
4 Higher crop yield in drought years 0.67
Table-2: Prioritizing economic benefits creation capability of organicfarming to improve food
security according to path coefficient estimates
Priorities Economic Benefits Estimate
1 Satisfying farmers from an economic perspective 0.88 0.88
2 2 Added value of organic products through marketing activities and
processing 0.83
0.83
3 3 Efficient usage of resources more efficiently (to minimize the use
of non-renewable resources) 0.78
0.78
4 Affordable than traditional agriculture (due to lower variable costs
of inputs, identical Fixed costs and higher prices of organic
products)
0.77
5 5 Market opportunities (marketing) for producers 0.76
6 6 Greater economic profitability due to the use of domestic inputs 0.76
7 7 Enhancing the overall performance of the farm in unit area 0.67
Table-3: Prioritizing income creation capability of organicfarming to improve food security
according to path coefficient estimates
Priorities Income Creation Estimate
1 Reducing the cost of purchased external inputs (chemicals,
pesticides, etc.)
0.97
2 Cash savings by reducing cash costs of agricultural production 0.86
3 Improving the livelihoods of family farmers production (through the
sale of excessive production of organic products which enable them
to provide better clothes and better education opportunities for their
children and other farmers)
0.84
4 Welfare improvement of farmers engaging in organic farming 0.82
5 Increasing farmers income in the long-term 0.72
6 Reducing the need for and dependence on credit facilities (loans)
due to input imports
0.7
7 Decrease in cash investments (reduction of import requirements) 0.65
It is clear from this study that there are significant impacts of organic farming that may come
as boon to the economy post COVID-19. The impacts ranges from production optimization,
economic benefits and income creation capacity of organic farming which is a clear indicator
of what current economy is in dire needs when there is requirements of self-sufficiency and
food sustainability due to the pandemic.
Organic farming and sustainability
The concept of sustainable agriculture and its relation to organic farming has been closely
studied in past. It is due to the fact that many countries across globe are gearing towards
organic farming. One such study highlighted the role and regulation along with the aspects
24
and desire of practices in agriculture systems in relation to sustainability. The study
highlighted the relationship of sustainable agriculture in respect to large scale farming where
greater regulation and policing of standards are considered crucial.
When thinking and acting towards sustain abilities there needs a focus driven to system and
approaches. Studies also highlighted on the contribution of organic agriculture to the future of
world agriculture is whether organic agriculture can produce sufficient food to feed the
world.The sustainable system should focus towards creating conducive environment to foster
the growth of organic agriculture through the means of sustainable farming. In same line, the
role of sustainable approaches is to think and act towards organic farming in small scale to
large scale agriculture practices.
Fig 5: Organic agriculture and Sustainability
Source: TECA, Technologies and Practices for Small Agricultural Producers, 2015
(FAO/TECA),
Fig 6: Organic farming (multicultural agriculture)
25
Source: Organic Farming, Srutek M, Urban J, Encyclopedia of Ecology, 2008
The approaches and action on drive towards organic farming and sustainable food production
need to be addressed in this critical time of pandemic. There is growing and increasing role of
agriculture sectors to be self sufficiency in the food sustainability of region, nation and global
communities. Challenges are higher due to threat and restrictions imposed by current
pandemic on the way we function. There is certainly a move towards “New Normal” for our
day to day activities where there is no exception in agriculture sectors too.
The research and innovation in the domain of agriculture, appropriate technology and food
chain systems needs more attention as it has greater roles to improve the economic growth.
The prospects of organic agriculture and sustainable development seen more promising in
developing countries and poorer countries. Need of conducive policies and regulations,
incentive, support mechanism, smart methodologies, appropriate technologies and many
pressing issues are vital to be more realistic. Organic agriculture based on the principle of
health, principle of ecology, principle of fairness and principle of care need to be the
approaches while optimizing the organic farming for sustainable food production.
Fig-7: Assessment of Organic farming to conventional farming in the four major areas of
sustainability
Source: Reganold, J. P. and Wachter J. M., ‘Organic agriculture in the twenty-first century’,
2016
Note:Orange petals represent areas of production; blue petals represent areas of
environmental
sustainability; red petals represent areas of economic sustainability; green petals represent
areas of wellbeing. The lengths of the petals illustrate thatorganic farming systems better
balance the four areas of sustainability. This is a reflection from the studies that there is close
linkages of sustainability factors which seems more promising in organic farming as
compared to conventional farming practices.
There are works carried out by many countries and regions towards visualizing the concept of
organic farming and sustainable food production. It is vital for us to do more of research
findings on the prevailing good practices and borrow the applicable examples in the region.
One such promising report byRigby D., et al are worth to refer for its concern relating to
rapidly changing world we have to be able to cope with new political, environmental and
26
societal challenges. The vision provides a common direction, a clear and vividpicture of
where we want to be in 2030 through the selection of the best strategies and tools that will
help usstay focused and make our vision a reality. Similarly, a small country Bhutan has its
own commitment with its Vision 2020 where focuses was much ambitious towards 100%
organic within 2025. This is a challenge for Bhutan as well across globe where organic
sectors today are affected by issues related to markets, lack of appropriate supply-demand
mechanism, pricing and limited consumer awareness.
Fertilizer is one of the main domains while thinking and acting on organic agriculture
pertaining to sustainable food production apart from the low yield. Studies has pointed out
the principal objections to the proposition that organic agriculture can contribute significantly
to the global food supply are low yields and insufficient quantities of organically accepted
fertilizers.
Conclusion
The goal of organic agriculture has to be materialized and that can be possible through
holistic approaches of thinking and action supported by very conducive environment. In post
COVID-19 as well as in current pandemic period, the world is threatened in terms of social
and economical wellbeing. The agriculture sectors becoming one of the crucial drivers of
economic need to revitalize its actions to meet the growing demand of food security. As
sustainability is a growing focus and materializing the SDGs are crucial in combatting
pandemic.
Organic farming and sustainable food production happen to be the immediate plan of actions
within regions and nation if we want to address the economic crises of pandemic and food
security. The mechanism and mandates need to be carefully devised so as to favor the
prospect of organic farming at any scales. The key focuses and role that need to be played to
complement through research and innovation in agriculture sectors.
References
Furtak K. and Galazka A., ‘Effect of Organic Farming on soil microbiological parameters’,
Polish Journal of Soil Science, 2019
https://www.eosta.com/nl/nieuws/biologische-landbouw-en-de-duurzame-
ontwikkelingsdoelen
https://www.britannica.com/topic/organic-farming
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_farming
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, ‘Organic Farming – LookingForwards, Strategy
Towards Greater Sustainability in Germany’, 2018
https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/press-portal/nachrichten-en/june-2018/nr_180614_01
MorshediL., et al., ‘The Role of Organic Farming for Improving FoodSecurity from the
Perspective of Fars Farmers’, MDPI, 2017
27
http://www.businessworld.in/article/Globally-India-Ranks-9th-In-Organic-Farming-
Outlook/04-09-2017-125309/
Report WPR-677, Wageningen Research, ‘Approaches aiming at sustainable agriculture
production’, Jan Verhagen et al., 2017
Kilcher L., ‘How organic agriculture contributes to sustainable development’, JARTS
Witzenhausen, 2007.
Murmu K., ‘Organic Farming - Stewardship for Sustainable Agriculture’, Agricultural
Research & Technology, Jupiter publisher, 2018.
Rigby D. and Caceres D., ‘Organic farming and the sustainability ofagricultural systems’
Agriculture system, Volume 68, Elsevier, 2000.
Schluter M. and Stopes C., ‘Transforming food and farming: An organic vision for Europe in
2030, June 2015.
Bernstorff A. V. and Lorenzen H., ‘Towards Food Sovereignty and Organic Farming’, The
Druk Journal, 2020
https://www.innovations-report.com/ecology-the-environment-and-conservation/100-organic-
farming-in-bhutan-a-realistic-target/
AzadiaH., et al., ‘Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Food Production System: Main
Potentials, Agriculture’, Ecosystems & Environment. Vol. 144 (1), pp. 92-94. 2011
BadgleyC., et al., ‘Organic agriculture and the globalfood supply’, Renewable Agriculture
and Food Systems, Vol-22, 2006
https://www.naturespath.com/en-us/blog/organic-food-sustainable/
http://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq6/en/
FAO Strategic Objective 5 – Resilience, in FAO, IFOAM - Organics International, ‘TECA-
Technologies and Practices for Small Agricultural Producers’, UN, 2015
Srutek M., Urban J., ‘Organic Farming’, Encyclopedia of Ecology, ScienceDirect, 2008
Ahlem Z. and Hammas A., ‘Organic Farming: A Path of Sustainable Development’,
International Journal of Economics and Management Sciences, 2017
Reganold, J. P. and Wachter J. M., ‘Organic agriculture in the twenty-first century’, nature
plants, Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2016
28
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Vermicomposting and Organic farming
*Kishor Maharjan **Praveen K Regmi
*Head, Dept of Env Sc, Tri Chandra Campus, TU, Nepal
**Faculty, Dept of Env Sc, Trichandra Campus, TU, Nepal
ABSTRACT
The volume of solid waste is increasing day by day due to rapid growth of population,
changing consumption pattern and haphazard urbanization. Therefore, management for solid
is huge challenges for every nation. On the basis of composition of solid waste, organic waste
is produced in large quantity mostly in developing countries and this valuable resource is lost
in the environment. There are various costly methods for waste management, however,
Vermicomposting may be a simple and environment-friendly technology for organic waste
management.
Vermicomposting is the bioconversion of organic waste into humus like material
known as vermicompost with the help of a certain type of earthworms. There are around 4000
species of the earthworms in the world, however, only few species have capable to make
manure. Eisenia fetida is commonly used earthworm all over the world due to its voracious
feeding and high reproductive rate. It can survive a wide range of
temperature.Vermicomposting is simple technology which needs compost making worms,
vermi bin/container, bedding materials, organic waste, covering materials and water. For
harvesting of vermicompost, we should wait 2-3 months, but the harvesting time depend
upon the number of earthworms and types of wasteused. Vermicomposting is very popular
method in Nepalfor managing kitchen waste and manure is mostly used for rooftop
gardening. Now it is not new method for Nepal, however, large-scale vermicomposting plant
is very limited. Nutrient content of vermicompost is generally higher than other general
compost, however the quality and quantity is largely dependent upon the types of feeding
material used for earthworms. Mostly, Nitrogen is rich in vermicompost as compared to other
general compost. The use of vermicompost is an important tool for organic farming. Various
researches show that use of vermicompost increases crop yields. Use of vermicompost
increases the organic matter, adds important macro and micronutrients and beneficial
microorganisms in soil. Besides that, it also improves soil structure, soil aeration and
maintain soil fertility.
29
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Use of Earthworms in Organic Farming and Waste Management through
Vermicomposting *Manoj K Mohapatra
*Asst Prof & Head, Dept of Zoology
N.C (A) College, Jajpur, Odisha
ABSTRACT
Earthworms can be useful for the utilization of harmful organic wastes into useful
nutrient rich organic manure called vermicompost. For the purpose only epigeic
earthworms that are litter dwelling and litter feeding species used which help in
fragmenting and conditioning of organic wastes during the process. Being rich in
nutrients the vermicompost is required in lesser quantities in organic farming.
Although research on vermicomposting technology was started in India as early as
Nineteen Seventies, the progress made is not alluring. However, it has great potential to be
a cottage industry for the under privileged and the economically weak which can
provide them with supplementary income.
Key words: Epigeic earthworms, organic wastes, vermicompost, vermicomposting.
30
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING THROUGH
VERMICOMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY
Dr. Mukul Ch. Kalita PhD, FAPS, DSc
AAU, Kamrup-781127 (Assam)INDIA
Email: mukul.kalita123@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Vermicomposting is an appropriate technique for disposal of non-toxic solid and liquid
organic wastes. It helps in cost-effective and efficient recycling of animal waste like poultry
manure, piggery excreta, cattle dung, agricultural residues and industrial wastes. The
percentage of nutrient content of carbon, N, P, K, Ca, Mg & Zn were found higher under
vermicompost than FYM & Compost. Similarly, the rice grain yield of ‘Ketekijoha’ and
‘Pusa Basmati 1401’ were also found highest under the organic farming treatments
(Vermicompost @ 10.0 t/ha). Thus, it is quite evident that the effect of vermicomposting as
organic sources were found better compared to FYM & Compost. Vermicomposting can
serve as a micro-entrepreneur. It may provide a solution to the unemployment problems
through proper utilization of human & non-human resources and informing the socio-
economic conditions of the poor masses.
31
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Polyhouse Farming As Rural Entrepreneurship
*Dr Sarada Prasad Mohapatra
* Head, Dept of Botany, N.C (A) College, Jajpur, Odisha, India
bot.ncacjajpur@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
According to Gandhi every person should be provided with basic necessaries i.e food, cloth
and shelter. He also opined that an increase in personal income is an indication of growth of
National income but the reverse is not true i.e growth of National income may not always
benefit every man in the society. He also said that agriculture alone can not solve the problem
of rural poverty and unemployment. So he gives stress on growth of rural industries in which
the raw materials will be collected from local market and the products can be sold in local
market. Gandhiji wanted diversified economic activities in villages as villages are the
backbone of the country.
Changing climatic condition is a major challenge faced by the farmers to produce the
food for the growing population. Rapid growth in Industrialization and urbanization has
reduced the cultivable land. Technological innovation in agricultural sector has reduced input
cost with profitable yields and filling the farmer’s pockets all through the year. Polyhouse is a
major innovation which requires less water (per drop more crop) and good planning,
management skills in order to fetch profits. The polyhouse farming has become rural
entrepreneurship generating employment opportunities in rural areas with low capital cost
and raising the real income of the people.
Polyhouse farming promoted by the Government may be a game changer in the
improvement of rural economy and so also the improvement of farming practices in the
villages will surely drive the local youth to a self reliant entrepreneurship i.e the concept of
“Atmanirvar Bharat”.
Keywords- Climate change, Polyhouse, Self reliant, rural economy
32
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Organic Farming : A Sustainable Agriculture in Present Scenario
1Biswajit Mohapatra, Asst. Professor in Botany, N.C. Autonomous College, Jajpur. 2 Ranjit Mohapatra. Asst. Professor in Pharamachemistry, UDPS, Utkal University, Vanivihar,
Bhubaneswar.
ABSTRACT
Sustainable Agriculture (SA) is necessary to attain the Global Goal-2030 of sustainable
development. It is the successful management of resources to satisfy the changing human
needs in present era of climate change maintaining the quality of environment and
conserving natural resources. SA lay great emphasis on maintaining an agricultural growth
rate, which can meet the demand for food of all living beings without draining the basic
resources towards crop improvement. Organic farming is a method of crop improvement not
to using pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and growth
hormones. It reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility and
use less energy. The principal methods of organic farming include crop rotation, green
manures and compost, biological pest control and mechanical cultivation. It is one of the
several approaches found to meet the objectives of sustainable agriculture. Most of the
techniques used in organic farming like inter-cropping, mulching and integration of crops and
livestock are not alien to agriculture systems including the traditional agricultural practices.
However, organic farming is based on various laws and certification programmes which
prohibit the use of almost all synthetic inputs and the central theme of this method is the
health of soil. The adverse effects of modern agricultural practices on the farm and also on
the health of living beings and thus on the environment has been well documented all over
the world. Application of technology, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides all around us
has persuaded people to think aloud. As a result of global climatic changes, their negative
effects on the environment are manifested through soil erosion, water shortages, salination,
soil contamination, genetic erosion but organic farming supports healthy soil, more nutrition
and flavor, supports pollinators, healthier working environment for farmers, resistance to
pests and diseases, fertilizers are created on-site, opportunity for specializing and climate-
friendly. It is one of the widely used methods, which is thought as the best alternative to
avoid the ill effects of chemical farming. It also has far more advantages over the
conventional and other modern agricultural practices that are available today.
Key Words: Sustainable Agriculture, Organic Farming, Global Goal, Climate Change.
33
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
APPLICATION OF VERMICOMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY FOR
ORGANICAQUACULTURE
1*AMIT KUMAR SHARMA,1ARVIND KUMAR SHARMA, AND2MUNISH
SHARMA
1Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental
Science, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
2School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, TAB, Shahpur (Kangra)
*Email: amitpandit100192@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Vermicomposting is a developing biotechnological method towards growth of organic
farming and is a significant component for productionof compost bythe help of earthwormsin
order to expand natural and organic farming.Sustainable aquaculture is one of the rising
technology where the main goal line is durability, achieved through the use of renewable
resources for the development of natural and organic farming. Organic aquaculture avoids the
usage of chemical compound like fertilizers, growth regulators,pesticides and feed additives
and only low cost vermiproducts like vermiwash, earthworm, cocoon, etc. are used in order to
fullfill the need of fertilizers. All the vermiproducts are produced naturally and thus it is
urgent to increase the culture of earthworms.Earthworms are also utilized as bait, live fish
food, and fishmeal supplementas they comprisenumerousvital amino acids along with
haemoglobin in their blood and serum which offer the iron requirementfor growth and
developing of fish species. Adult earthworm and its products like cocoons and vermiwash
fullfill the feeding demand of fish species in diverse ways. So, it is very important to known
the application of vermicomposting technology for the growth and development of organic
aquaculture.The aim of presentstudyis to give a fleetingawareness of farmyard production of
vermicomposting andits application in organic aquacultures.
KEYWORDS: Vermicomposting, Organic aquaculture, Organic farming, Biofertilizers.
34
INTRODUCTION
Vermicompost technology is the method of harnessing of earthworms for the maintenance of
various organic wastes. Vermicompost technology is a bio-oxidative and non-thermophilic
method used to decomposed organic waste connecting earthworms and related microbes.
Vermicompost is a peat-like material having great permeability, brilliantin aeration, drainage,
high water holding capacity, microbial activity, nutrient upsurge and buffering capacity
results to meet the required physiochemical characters for soil productivity and efficiency
(Pathma and Sakthivel, 2012). Vermicompost mostly consists of both types of minor and
major nutrients, enzymes, antibiotics, growth promoter’svitamins and microbes among all the
accessibledisintegrated manures (Bhusan and Yadav, 2003). Eventually,if vermicompost
dries up causes no damage to its microflora, thus, it is mentioned as latentorganic manure or
as biofertilizer (Meena, 2003). Besides this, it is aneco-friendly as well as farmer-friendly
practice because it can be prepared from a variety of locally accessibleflora and fauna wastes
with lessamount, labour and knowledge. Mainly low-cost organic aquaculture depends upon
the use of vermicompost and its products which is of total natural origin. The
physiochemical, biochemical and biological properties of vermicomposting technologyare
now used to endorsebearable organic aquaculture.With the fast growth and developments in
biotechnology,numerous biological approaches have used for the treatment of solid
waste,among them vermicomposting is topmost. Earthworms are brilliant bioreactors for the
recycling of organic wastes and effective mode for its management. Aquaculture plays an
important role in fisheries management(Sharma et al., 2018: 2019)and thus it is also known
as asignificant contributor towards fish productionincludingdiverseforms and stages of inputs
(Ayyappan and Jena, 2003). The unscientificpractice of toxic fertilizerscauses the
deterioration of the quality of water, food, soilhealth and also cause the adulteration of air
(Chakraborty et al., 2009).So, attention must begiven to organicaquaculture forthe attainment
of harmful toxic-free and safe foodfor consumption.Organic composts are directly used by
the fishspecies for feeding or it may beenrichedby the aquatic ecosystem with plankton and
microbial communitiesIf sometimes organicmanures are not disintegratedfully beforeits
application in an aquaculture pond, then it may deteriorate thequality of water by
utilizingdissolved oxygen duringdecomposition.
INTEGRATED AQUACULTURE AND VERMITECHNOLOGY FARMING
A complex aquaculture-agriculture-vermiculture farmstead can be completely synergistic.
Everyone has known clearly that the reservoir water is used for irrigation practices along the
embankment and this water is reused for aquaculture.The biomass producedduring
vermicomposting technology containsa good source of protein for fish species (Joshi and
35
Aga, 2009).In aquaculturetrades, efforts are made now to replace the expensive fish meal
which is usuallymergedwith diets by alternatelow-priced sources of protein. In aquaculture
several organic resources have been utilized, the application of local and organic waste is
partially low. In the past, waste produced by the husbandries and domesticallyis animproper
resource whichcause pollution.Vermicomposting technology is completely safe and does not
cause any side effects. However, vermicomposting technology will shortly be used on alarge
industrial scale for the treatment of solid waste and pollution control management
(Karmegam and Daniel, 2007).
VERMICOMPOSTINGTECHNOLOGY AS FEED AND MANURE
Organic manuring is broadly adept in aquaculture ponds for high harvest and in order to
reduce expenditure on pricey feedstuffs and manures (Brown and Gilloy 2003). Several
categories of organic manures are used inaquaculturein the form of poultry manure, leaves,
sewage water, etc. Vermicompost and its by-products are utilized as food for direct
consumption to fish species andalso release various inorganic nutrients for the growth of
phytoplankton and zooplankton (Chakrabarty, 2009). Vermicomposting technology is the
best method for the preparation of agro-bio waste into effective manure. The productivity
of any water body can significantlyenhance by vermicompost approach which provides
desirable nutrients, minerals, vitamins, etc., mandatory for the growth of aquatic biota and
serving as food for fish species. The phytoplankton’splays an important link for connecting
the food chain in the aquatic ecosystem(Malik et al., 2018; 2020; Kumar et al., 2018). The
main aim of the fertilization process is to enhance all primary, secondary and tertiary
productivity in order to obtainmaximum yield for fish species.
PREPARATION OF FISH FEED BY USING VERMICOMPOST TECHNOLOGY
Earthworms are important fish food contains various essential amino acids along with
hemoglobin in their blood serumwhich fulfill the need of iron for growth of fish species.
Earthworm and their cocoons along with the vermiwash serves as the fish feed in diverse
ways. A unique type of feed using extra and olderearthworms from the vermi-pit mixed by
the dust of fowl eggshell from poultry being tested as a direct application (Chakrabarty et
al.,2009) for fish food in aquaculture ponds. The poultryegg shells hold a minutequantity of
albumin and calcium essential for growth and development of bone in fish species(Kumar et
al., 2019; Kamboj et al., 2020). The probableovertone of some Nitrogen-fixing bacteria with
vermicompost offersessential protein for bottom fish species.
36
PRESENT STATUS
Chakrabarty et al., (2009) reported that significant variances in plankton diversity and its
abundance along with thecommon carpgrowth with vermicomposting in comparison with
diammonium phosphate and concluded that vermicomposting and its by-product results better
and help to replace chemical fertilizers. (Kumar and Gadara, 2016) reported their researches
conducted on diverseorganic manure i.e. vermicompost, poultrymanure, cow dung, pig
manure to evaluate their effect on the quality ofwaterand growthof some fish species e.g.
Catlacatla, Labeorohita and Cirrhinusmrigalaand observed that the pond fertilized with
vermicompost results to be betterincomparisons tocow dung followed by poultry manure and
pig manure respectively.
CONCLUSION
The present study concluded that vermicomposting technology release and upsurge the
nutrients content very effortlessly and at a quicker frequency which is available to uptake by
the algal bloom that eventually increases the rate of fish species growth. With the help of
vermicomposting technology, it is also possible to reduce the expenditure on the fish feed.
Therefore, this approach is eco-friendly as well as farmer-friendly practice. Hence it must be
fortified to inseminate the aquaculture ponds by this approach at regular intervals. Abundant
stress has been laid on organic farming because, in intensive farming, unscientific use of
toxic fertilizers and pesticides application deteriorate the soil, air, water, and food. So, the
devotion has to be given for organic farming succeeded scheme of aquaculture for the better
attainment of safe food to human consumption. Imminent exploration may also be conducted
in respects toward the segregation and classification of useful microorganisms which can
work in contradiction of the fish pathogenic microbes as a biocontrol agent.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are thankful to Mr. Kuldip Kumar Sharmafor their guidance and constant support
as well as for providing necessary information during the study.
REFERENCES
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Digest, 1:11- 13.
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theoretical unification. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA,100:
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Chakrabarty, D. (2009). Vermicompost and Organic Pisciculture (3rd Akshay Krishi Vikash,
West Bengal, India, 1-47pp.
Chakrabarty, D., Das, S. K., Das, K. M. and Biswas, P. K. (2009). Application of
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Role of vermicompost and organic farming in agriculture of India
Dr. (Mrs.) Anandini Rout Lecturer in Botany Christ College, Cuttack
ABSTRACT
Keeping on mind the rapid population growth, for health benefit, Govt. & people are
focussing more on sustainable methods like vermicomposting & organic farming to enhance
the production rate without harming the environment. It has a sustainable future so more &
more farmers of India should be engaged with vermicompost & organic farming. As
agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy, there is an urgent need to create awareness
about our future generation.
Vermicompost is a leading organic compost now-a-days. Vermicompost is a best,
most effective, cheap, organic fertilizer for toe plant. It is variously named such as black
gold, worm compost, worm humus, green compost, vermiworm, vermicast & worm
manure. It is widely used all over the world & acts like a conditioner for the soil. It is
highly decomposed, purely natural based fertilizer for the plant. It is prepared by the
decomposition of waste material like chopped rice straw, dry leaves, kitchen waste
materials, dry waste from the house etc. by using earthworm as they are detrivorous &
geophagous. From time immemorial earthworms are known as “friends of the farmers”.
Generally red varities of earthworms is very beneficial for production vermicompost.
Preparation of vermicompost does not require any advance technology, requires low
investment & can also be prepared at any place. It provides more output by low cost
efficiency. It can be applied both to seasonal & perennial plant. In contrast to chemical
fertilizer it provides long term effect, it is easily mixed with the soil so that plant absorbs it
rapidly having macronutrient N, P, K (critical element), Ca, Mg & micronutrient Fe, Zn, S.
It increases soil aeriation, soil fertility, checks soil erosion. It also contains hormones like
auxin, cytokinin, gibberellic acid & enzymes like cellulase, phosphatase with more humic
acid. The excreta of earthworm contains peritrophic membrane which binds with the soil
particles, reduces evaporation & increases the carbonic components of the soil. Besides this
the most beneficial use of vermicompost is to consume all harmful bacteria, fungi,
nematodes present in soil. Overall this compost is easily, readily & in low cost available to
the farmers.
40
From ancient times farmers have been largely relying on organic residues, cow dung
composts etc. Then the people of India persued to depend upon on the synthetic fertilizer to
increase production due to the onset of green revolution. In 1950-1960, when the green
revolution emerged, govt. adopted modern agricultural technologies & introduced high
yielding varieties of seeds along with creating provision for farmers. In 1960-1970,
production of cereals & grains increased but as the years passed this revolution started to
show its adverse effects like soil pollution, water pollution, dropping level of ground water,
shrinking of fertile soil, affecting aquatic animals, root cause of many diseases in human
beings. Now it is the time for use of organic farming. The organic farming is a broad
spectrum activity. The demand of this is now increasing all over the world. But the organic
farming movement is still at initial stage around the world. It requires policy level change
& financial support from the government. Now India is emerging as a major player in
global organic markets. India ranks 1st in organic farming & 9th in terms of area under
organic farming. In the last year Sikkim was announced as a fully organic farming state in
the world. Now 70% of the land of our country is engaged for producing organic food.
On the way of finding such sustainable methods for agriculture, we come across
methods like vermicomposting & organic farming. During this time the planet earth is
facing many disasters due to climate change issues, environmental threats & global warming
effects. So it is the time to need use of vermicompost & organic farming in agriculture to
enhance the soil fertility, improve health conditions of people, economic returns of the
farmer community & to finally save the environment. So the world will be a better &
happier place again.
Keywords: Vermicompost, Organic farming, Agriculture, Sustainable, Environment,
Earthworm
41
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Ecofriendly Pest Repellent
Dr. Arpita Das
Ms. Vanessa Jena
Mother’s Public School
Health and environmental problems ranging from poisoned waterways and degraded
farmland, to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and diet-linked diseases have forced us to look for a
safer and sustainable way to produce food, to support farm jobs and to reduce the fertiliser
bill.
Fertilizers and pesticides contain a lot of chemicals. Over dosage to the plants are harmful to
the plant’s health. Therefore, we have taken an initiative from ICAR that cow’s urine could
be used in place of pesticides and fertilizers but with a modification. Cow’s urine contains
phosphorus and nitrogen in significant amounts. These nutrients are essential for plant
growth. Research shows that the consumption of nitrogen by the cows in their food is almost
one third of what it gives it out as urine. Therefore, its urine contains sufficient amount of
nitrogen. Research also shows that it’s the main way pests are repelled on the farms in the
Himalayan foothills and across the north eastern state of Sikkim. They seep medicinal leaves
in cow urine and spray the brew over crops. Poor farmers who cannot afford the inputs for
intensive agriculture can benefit most from this method. This helps in getting profit with low
input costs and higher margins.
Keywords: Poisoned waterways, degraded farm lands, antibiotic resistant bacteria, diet linked
diseases, intensive agriculture.
42
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Application of Bai Shi Yin Guang Bo Wisdom-Light Technology on Vigna radiata plant
Dr. Arpita Das1
Ms. Barsha Priyadarshini2
Ms. Aditi Harichandan3
Mother’s Public School, Unit 1, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is used in agriculture to invoke an aura of environmental care
that focuses on reduction of mechanical, chemical, and bio-technical inputs to levels that do
not affect the natural environment.
Bai Shi Yin Guang Bo breakthrough research, discovery and invention of Wisdom-Light
Technology is an approach towards increasing and improving the quantity and quality of
agricultural produce while reducing pollution and toxicity in the process. Wisdom light
technology is a form of energy that provides positive vibrations for growth and development
of plants and reduces the impact of negative energy on the plants due to the presence of
insects and pests in the agricultural fields.
We have tried to focus on the preliminary investigation on the farming practices by the
application of wisdom light technology on Vigna radiata plants in our kitchen garden. Our
project aims to demonstrate the difference in plant health and yield with and without the use
of Wisdom light Technology.
Keywords: Vigna radiate, Wisdom Light Technology, research, discovery, invention,
positive vibrations
43
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Studies on application of kitchen waste compost and vermicompost on
production of selective leafy vegetables on roof top Arun K. Rath1 and Sabita Rani Mishra2
1Department of Botany, Sri Jayadev College of Education and Technology, Naharakanta,
Bhubnaeswar-752101, Odisha, India 2 Department of Botany, Rajdhani College, Bhubaneswar-751 003, Odisha, India.
E mail : arunk_rath@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
Waste poses a threat to public health and the environment if it is not stored, collected, and
disposed of properly. The perception of waste as an unwanted material with no intrinsic value
has dominated attitudes towards disposal. This study investigates the kitchen waste practices,
waste disposal, application of vermicompost and perceptions about growing of leafy
vegetables on roof top to ensure economy and health in an urban community. The study
conducted at the roof top for disposal of kitchen waste and their proper utilization in
cultivation of selected leafy vegetables. The kitchen waste is organic in nature that
decomposes quickly, producing foul odours and attracts rodents and insects. Management of
kitchen waste reduces or eliminates adverse impacts on land, contamination of the
atmosphere, soil and water. The aim of the present study is to convert kitchen waste into
useful product for better growth and quality of leafy vegetables on the urban roof top so as to
promote sustainable waste management. The kitchen waste materials were dumped in RCC
bins in alternate days mixed with 10 % raw cow. It was noticed that decomposition of
kitchen waste at roof top well performed in 30 days of last dump. The decomposed kitchen
waste/kitchen waste compost mixed with vermicompost were utilized in roof top farming for
growing of leafy vegetables like Amaranthus, spinach and coriander. The leafy vegetable
crops have been grown in the concrete plate 2x1 m size with a height of 15 cm. The basal
part of the concrete plate was filled up with brick pieces of ¾” followed by soil and
decomposed kitchen waste with a ratio of 1:1. The vermicompost was applied @1 kg/m2. It
has been observed that the productivity of the leafy vegetables were 2-3 times more than that
of crops growing in traditional fields. In conclusion this study argues that not only the roof
top farming meets the daily partial requirement of an urban family but also provides
nutritional benefits, organic food security by the by reducing the waste load to the respective
urban area which overall strengthen our urban environments and communities.
Key words : Kitchen waste compost, Vermicompost, Green leafy vegetables, roof top
farming, food security.
44
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
SIGNIFICANCE OF ORGANIC FARMING AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING: A
CASE STUDY OF SIKKIM STATE, INDIA
Mrs. Binita Rai1& Ms. Anjali Prasad
Assistant Professor of Economics,University: Indian Institute of Legal Studies, University of
North Bengal & 2nd Year Student of BCOM LLB (HONS), binnyrai12@gmail.com
Organic farming is an efficient way of for being a more sustainable practice of
agriculture which uses simple techniques without harnessing or damaging the environment. It
is one of the most popular rituals in the country in terms of farming and there is increasing
demand for organic products in the market as well. It is because of the fact that people are not
healthy as they used to be in the past and it is said that it is due to the usage of chemical
fertilisers in the food that we eat. The state of Sikkim has abandoned the chemical farming in
the year 2014 and the state legislature had passed the resolution of shifting to organic farming
in the year 2003. Sikkim is rich in biodiversity because of which the soil is rich in organic
content and makes the conversion easier. The present study deals with the importance of
organic farming being one of the best ways of sustainable agriculture in a hilly and
mountainous and increasing population place like Sikkim. Since Sikkim is the first state of
India to officially announce the adoption of organic farming and the only state to convert
entire state into organic government has been helping the state to achieve it. Hence the role of
government is very crucial in the development of organic farming in the study area.
Key words: organic farming, sustainable development, demand, biodiversity, market
INTRODUCTION
In the 20th century the new agricultural practice that evolved was the concept of Organic
farming which is significantly changing the scenario of agricultural sector. Organic farming
continues to be developed by various organizations today. It is defined by the use of
fertilizers of organic origin such as compost manure, green manure, and bone meal and places
emphasis on techniques such as crop rotation and companion planting. There is no use of
chemicals fertilisers, pesticides etc. But, naturally occurring pesticides such
as pyrethrin and rotenone are allowed to be used, while synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are
generally prohibited. Genetically modified organism, nanomaterials, human sewage
sludge, plant growth regulators, hormones, and antibiotic use in livestock husbandry are
45
prohibited. Organic farming advocates claim advantages in sustainability, openness, self-
sufficiency, autonomy independence, health, food security, and food safety. Organic
agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations,
based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movement (IFOAM), an international umbrella organisation for organic farming
organizations established in 1972. Organic agriculture is a production system that maintains
the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on biodiversity, ecological aspects and
cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic
agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and
promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved for sustainable farming.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1. To study the growing importance and benefits of organic farming in Sikkim.
2. To study the significance of organic farming in the role of economic
development of the state of Sikkim.
3. To identify the market strategies for the organic farming
4. To have a foresight in the future growth of organic farming in Sikkim.
5. To identify the prospects of sustainable organic farming in Sikkim.
RESEARCH METHODLOGY
The present study is based on the secondary data which have been collected from the annual
reports, Department of Agriculture, Sikkim. Also references, journals, books and articles
have been an important source of data collection in the study.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Singh and Padey (2012) have found that the growth of organic farming in India is
comparatively slower cause of numerous constrain like inaccessible organic supplements,
organic fertilizers, market opportunities etc. The effects can be mostly seen in the small farm
holder adopting organic farming. A.K Barik (2017), organic farming plays as a input output
function envisaged a natural process. The present status of organic farming in India is in a
emerging uniqueness as it attempts to produce products ranging from edible to organic cotton
and fiber etc. a case study with IRF organic package of practice has been conducted to
overcome the technological breakthrough and provide an accessible and better future of
organic farming in India. Gupta (2013) studied on Horticulture and organic farming and
highlighted the issues regarding the performance of organic farming in Madhya Pradesh,
India. It shows that the state is producing main organic crops by increasing total area under
organic cultivation and horticulture is the fastest growing sector in agriculture. Even though,
development of agriculture is still a critical factor in the overall performance of the state. The
46
state requires chemical free, low cost product and horticulture production and improvement
in education of farmers to enhance the productivity.
ORGANIC FARMING IN SIKKIM
Sikkim is 22nd state of Indian Union is based upon an agrarian economy. Sikkim has been
declared 100% organic state in 2015-16 by government of India. In Sikkim more than 64
percent population depends primarily on farming for their livelihood and occupation. There is
increasing market of horticulture which led to rise in the Sikkim’s GDP. Agricultural land in
state is to be estimated about 1, 09, 000 hectares which contribute 15.36 % of total
geographical area of state. Farming is very big challenge in Sikkim due to its hilly
geographical structure and different climatic zones in different districts. Organic mission
started since 2011-12 in state for promoting organic farming, protected cultivation and
protection of bio diversity of state. Marketing of organic food is major challenge in the
Sikkim due to low density of population and lack of storage & transportation facilities in
state. Organic food cannot be distinguish by visual examination thus, there is need of
branding required in state by some well recommended and reputed governmental
organization that can help to overcome the hurdle of marketing of organic products in the
state and to the other part of the nation as well as to other part of the world. Sikkim beat 50
other nominated policies to win the Gold Award for its State Policy on Organic Farming
(2004) and Sikkim Organic Mission (2010), which have enabled it to become the first 100%
organic state in the world. All of its farmland is certified organic. Overall, the transition to
100% organic has benefited more than 66,000 farming families. Organic farming is
considered the agricultural system closest to the traditional Sikkimese way of farming, which
is rain-fed with low external inputs. However, Sikkim’s approach goes far beyond focusing
solely on organic production, it also focuses on consumption and market expansion, health,
education, rural development, and sustainable tourism. As such, Sikkim is an excellent
model for other Indian states and countries worldwide who want to upscale agroecology. In
2003, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced the vision for Sikkim to be India’s first
organic state. In 2010, the state launched the “Organic Mission”, an action plan defining the
measures to implement in order to reach the target of converting the entire state to organic.
The plan worked – in 2015 Sikkim declared itself the first organic state in the world. It is the
first time in history that a state set such an ambitious vision and also achieved it. The state
government showed strong political will and policy coherence, along with well-defined
targets and implementation plans. The policy combines mandatory requirements, such as
gradually banning chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with support and incentives to build a
holistic transformation of the whole Sikkimese food system. As certification was seen as a
crucial part of the transformation, 80% of the budget between 2010 and 2014 was used to
47
build the capacity of farmers, rural service providers, and certification bodies and to support
farmers in acquiring certification. In parallel, measures were undertaken to supply farmers
with quality organic seeds, such as the strengthening of local organic seed development and
production.
The policy focuses on enhancing soil fertility, preserving water quality and increasing
biodiversity at the field and landscape level. To improve soil health management, the
government has provided support for farmers to perform 40,000 soil tests per year. The
results are delivered in the form of Soil Health Cards, which give nutrient status and
recommendations on inputs. The policy also cleverly combined the gradual phase-out of
subsidies for synthetic inputs with a conversion strategy that involved training farmers in how
to produce organic inputs such as compost, vermicompost and organic pesticides using local
plants. More than 100 villages with 10,000 farmers in all four districts of the state benefited
from these training programmes during the first pilot phase of the mission (2003-2009).
The phase-out of chemical fertilizers was implemented gradually but firmly. It was a bold
government decision but farmers and citizens say they are proud of this policy and give it
their political support. The policy also sought to build a ‘Sikkim organic brand’, as a way to
target national and international markets. Because of their unique climate and farming
culture, Sikkim’s marketing strategy focusses on specific crops such as cardamom, ginger,
oranges, tea, kiwi fruit, passion fruit and mountain vegetables.
Sikkim’s tourism sector has also benefited from their new organic image: between 2012 and
2016 the number of Indian tourists increased by 40%, and the number of foreign visitors
doubled! Today, organic farming is included in the school curricula. A number of platforms
for knowledge exchange have been established, including livelihood schools, two Organic
Centres of Excellence and three Organic Farming Training Centres, which engage with
unemployed youths. In 2016, a National Organic Farming Research Institute was established.
The Institute provides technical support to organic production systems, not only for Sikkim
but for the whole North East Hills Region of India. The policy recognized that many young
people do not consider agriculture an attractive or viable opportunity for themselves. Today,
experts say that Sikkim is one of the few places in India where young people decide to stay
on the land.
MARKET AND DEMAND FOR ORGANIC FOODS
The Indian organic food industry is growing tremendously and the scope and demand of
organic food is increasing day by day. 300 million population of the country are consumers of
organic market. The country exported organic food products more than $500 million in the
year 2017-2018, up by 39 per cent from the previous year. The nation supports more than 10
48
million organic farmers making us the largest in the world. Surely that’s a number the globe
cannot ignore. Today we are counted among top 10 countries with maximum organic land,
ranking third in the wild collection. The sector is booming, the global demand for Indian
organic food products is on a constant increase. The country is exporting tonnes of organic
oils seeds, cereals and millets, sugar, fruit juice concentrates, tea, spices, pulses, dry fruits,
medicinal plant products etc. every year. The domestic market might be at a nascent stage,
but India makes for one of the biggest suppliers of organic to the markets in the world. The
Indian organic rice ranks second when it comes to exports to Europe. Nature Bio Foods
comprises 59 per cent of the total organic basmati and 77 per cent of the total organic non-
basmati rice exports to the world. And all of this has been supported by our more than 60,000
farming families. With the continuing demand, it wouldn’t be unfair to foresee days when the
Indian organic industry is ruling.
The state of Sikkim has tremendous scope pf organic farming with its neighbouring state of
West Bengal but the problem lies in the proper marketing channel and marketing strategies,
lack of information about the market and consumer’s choice. The demand of the consumers
depends upon various factors such as price of commodity because usually the prices of
organic foods are comparatively high. Since organic farming requires more attention by the
cultivators for the nutrition of the plant it adds up to the cost of the food. There is lack of
information to the consumers because some cannot differentiate between organic and
inorganic food products, the nutritional value is unknown to them. Even if they know
consumers usually prefer cheaper commodity.
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
Though the importance of organic food is increasing in the present era significant difference
lies in the social acceptance and income of the consumer. Since high percentages of the
population are middle income they cannot afford to buy those high price organic foods. There
is asymmetric information in the market for organic foods. Sikkim is a place where there is
diverse population from different culture, caste, creed and religion. Thus the choice of
consumers is highly influenced by the cultural values and traditional perceptions. Many
workshops, training programmes are organised across the state for the cultivators to make
aware of the long term benefits. It is of the fact that organic farming and sustainable farming
goes hand in hand. There is a positive relationship between organic farming and sustainable
agricultural development.
49
Different policies and aid should be initiated and further research should be done and effort in
these areas is required, with much depending on the relevance of current research. Policy
makers need to invest in program and policy modifications for promotion of organic farming.
As there is increase in the population, the demand for food grains is also increasing. Keeping
in mind the increasing demand, downfall of the natural resources, excess use of manmade
chemicals and the health of the people it would be better if the farmers adopt integrated
production process where both chemicals and non-chemical production process is mixed.
REFERENCES:
1. Kulkarni S. D. (2016).Organic food concept, opportunities and challenges. Journal of
Processed food Industry, 20(1):22-25
2. Patle G. T., Badyopadhyay K. K. and Kumar M. (2014). An overview of organic
agriculture: A potential strategy forclimate change mitigation. Journal of Applied and
Natural Science, 6 (2): 872 – 879
3. Biao, Xie.et.al (2003). Critical Impact Assessment of Organic Agriculture. E-ISSN
11877863. Volume 16, Issue 3
4. Barik, A. & Sarkar, Narayan. (2017). Organic Farming in India: Present Status,
Challenges and Technological Break through.
5. https://nifa.usda.gov/topic/organic-agriculture
6. https://blog.agrihomegh.com/organic-farming-types-principles/
7. https://www.britannica.com/topic/organic-farming
8. http://thinkscience.in/?p=1123
9. Chief Minister's Office. (2016). Sikkim : Under the leadership of India's greenest
Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling - Sustainable Developmenet through Greening,
Organic Farming and Unique Social Enginering. Gangtok, India: Chief Minister's
Office, Government of Sikkim
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
ORGANIC FARMING AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION
BIPLAB AUDDYA
P.G.STUDENT, DEPT. OF GEOGRAPHY,
SIDHO-KANHO-BIRSHA UNIVERSITY
E-MAIL ID- biplabauddya1998@gmail.com
MOBILE NUMBER-7431030177
Abstract
Organic Farming is a method of farming and agriculture that involves much than
choosing not to use the fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms. Organic
farming system in India is not a new farming method, it is being followed from ancient time.
It is a method of farming system that’s aim at cultivating the land and raising the crops in
such a way by using biological materials along with beneficial microbes to release nutrients
to crops for increasing sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution free environment,
protect the environment, decrease soil and water pollution and maintain long-term soil
fertility etc. Pure organic farming, Integrated organic farming are the types of organic
farming. There are many types of organic farming like Crop Rotation, Green Manure,
Biological Pest Control, Compost, Management of Soil, Management of Weeds etc.
FAO suggested that “Organic agriculture is a unique production management system
which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological
cycles and soil biological activity and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic,
biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs”.
According to World Organic Agri Report 2018, India is the home, to 30 percentage of
the total organic producers in the world, but it accounts for just 2.59 percentage (1.5 million
hectares of the total organic cultivation area of 57.8 million hectares). More than 30% of
world’s organic production in India. India is the largest exporter of organic cotton worldwide
and India also exported 1.35 million metric tons of “certified organic” food in the year of
2015-16. But there are some limitation like production costs are high, cannot produce enough
food etc.
Keywords – Introduction, Objectives, Types, Methods, Advantages and Disadvantages.
51
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
ORGANIC FARMING AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION
BIPLAB AUDDYA
P.G.STUDENT, DEPT. OF GEOGRAPHY,
SIDHO-KANHO-BIRSHA UNIVERSITY
E-MAIL ID- biplabauddya1998@gmail.com
MOBILE NUMBER-7431030177
Introduction
Organic farming is an agricultural process that uses biological fertilizers and pest
control acquired from animal and plant waste. Organic farming is a new system of farming or
agriculture that improves the ecological balance. It is the method of crop production that not
to use pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, genetically modified organisms and growth
hormones. The objectives of Organic Farming is for increase genetic diversity, control pests,
diseases and weeds, promote more usage of natural pesticides, It is natural habitat sources are
less threatened, it provides healthier food for people, the soil is in the better condition
because of the manure used. Organic farming is able to maintain the balance of an ecosystem.
Organic farming is a technique, which involves cultivation of plants and animals in natural
ways. It relies on ecologically balanced agricultural principles like crop rotation, green
manure, biological pest control, mineral and the rock additives. Crop rotation is one of the
main constituent of this kind of agriculture. In this method of farming a great emphasis is laid
on maintaining the properties of the soil by crop rotation. It is a farming method that is
involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. It helps us
to relies on ecologically balance agricultural principles like crop rotation, green manure,
organic waste, biological pest control, rock additives and mineral. After the every crop the
farmers grow leguminous plants with the atmospheric NO2 which is an important thing for
improved crop production. The leguminous plants through their roots in the deep soil and fix
the NO2 into the soil to make the soil fertile again. Organic production is a holistic system to
optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem,
including plants, soil organisms, livestock and people. The organic standards generally
products of genetic engineering and animal cloning, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge,
synthetic food processing aids.
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The main cause of organic farming state for wanting to farm organically are their
concerns for the environment and working with agricultural chemicals in conventional
farming systems. In the organic farming is a pollution free and environmental friendly
farming. Certified organic, a term is given to produce according to organic standards as
certified by one of the certifying bodies. In June 2009, the Canadian government introduced
regulations to regulate organic products, under these regulations the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees organic certification, including Conformity Verification
Bodies (CVBs) and certification Bodies (CBs). Most of the developed countries and some
developing nations are returning to organic farming practice during the last two decades.
Agriculture is a key sector for the economic development for most developing countries. It is
critically important for ensuring food security.
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) described
the organic agriculture in the following way: “Organic agriculture is a production system that
sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes,
biodiversity and cycle adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse
effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared
environment and promote fair relationship and a good quality of life for all involved”.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) suggested the following “Organic
agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-
ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and
this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical method in
exclusion of all synthetic off farm inputs”.
United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) study team on organic farming is
“Organic Farming is a system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs
(such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent
feasible rely upon crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste,
mineral grade rick additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant
protection”.
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) described
the organic farming “Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of
soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles
adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic
agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and
promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved”.
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National Program on Organic Production (NPOP), India describe organic agriculture
in the following “Organic agriculture is a system of farm design and management to create an
eco-system which can achieve sustainable productivity without the use of artificial external
inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides”.
The global organic food market size is of 63.8 billion USD (2013-2014). India’s total
export of organic agricultural production in 2013-2014 was 220.47 million USD.
Objectives of Organic Farming
1. Increase the genetic diversity.
2. Product more crop and create food security.
3. Control the soil erosion, control pests, diseases and weeds.
4. Keep and build good soil structure and fertility.
5. Increase genetic diversity.
6. Promote more usage of natural pesticides.
7. NO2 fixation in soil using legumes.
8. Conservation of natural habitats and wildlife.
9. Lower input costs in agriculture.
10. Drought Resistance.
11. Develop the economic conditions of the farmers.
12. Reduced the environmental pollution.
13. Economic Improvement.
14. Get fresh and healthy foods.
History
The organic farming is the concepts of agriculture were developed in the early 1900s
by Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner, and others who believed that the use of
animal manures, cover crops, crop rotation and the biologically based pest controls resulted
in a better farming system. Organic food sales increased steadily from the late 20th century.
Types of Organic Farming
1. Pure Organic Farming – In this type of organic farming not use any type of inorganic
chemicals and pesticides.
2. Integrated Organ Farming – It involves integrated nutrients management and
integrated pest management. It is the type of farming by growing the crops from
natural resources.
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3. Integration of the different farming system – Integration of different farming system
involves several other components of the farming such as poultry, mushroom
production, goat rearing and fishpond simultaneously with regular crop components.
Methods of the Organic Farming
1. Crop Rotation – It is the technique to grow the various types of crops in the same
area, according to the different season, in a sequential way.
2. Biological Pest Control – By this method, we use living organisms to control pests
with or without the use of chemicals.
3. Green Manure – It refers to the dying plants that are uprooted and turned into the soil
to make them act as the nutrient for the soil to increase its quality.
4. Compost – Highly rich in nutrients, it is a recycled organic matter used as a fertilizer
in agricultural farms.
5. Management of Weeds – By the organic farming mainly focuses on removing the
weeds from the soil during the crop production. As the result the production of the
crops affected. The two most widely used weed management techniques are
Mulching, Mowing or Cutting.
6. Management of Soil – Soil management is a process of organic farming. Repeatedly
farming in a same land, the soil fertility rate low to low day by day. In this organic
farming the nutrients are recharged in the soil by natural or eco-friendly process. After
the crop cultivation the soil loses its nutrients and its quality deplete. Organic
agriculture initiates the use of the natural ways to increase fertility of the soil. The
bacteria help in making the soil nutrients more productive and fertile. To process of
recharging the soil with all the necessary nutrients is called soil management. In
organic farming the nutrients are recharged in the soil through natural ways to
increase the soil fertility.
7. Crop Diversity – Monoculture is the practice used in the agricultural fields where we
harvest and cultivate the one type of the crops in a particular place. To meet the
increasing crop demand and produce the required soil microorganisms.
8. Controlling other organisms – There are both useful and also the harmful organisms
in the agricultural farm, that’s affect on the agricultural field. So, we need to control
the growth of such of the organisms to protect the soil and the crops.
Advantages of Organic Farming
1. Good return on Investment – With the usage of the cheaper and local inputs, a farmer
can make a good return on investment.
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2. Environment Friendly – The agricultural product is free of chemical and fertilizers, so
it an eco-friendly product.
3. High Demand – There is a huge demand for the organic product is a fully chemical
free and fertilizers product and tastier, nutritional product. So, it is a high demanded
product, generated more income.
4. Economical – In organic farming there is no use of fertilizers, HYV seeds, pesticides
are required for the plantation of crops.
5. Organic farming helps us to prevent environmental degradation and used to
regenerate degraded areas.
6. Organic manures produce an ideal condition in the soil for high yields and good
quality of crops.
7. This type of farming is a poison free farming.
8. Organic farming was improving the soil chemical properties such as supply soil
nutrients and promotes favorable chemical reactions.
9. Organic foods are free from harmful pesticides, antibiotics and additives.
10. Farmers ban be reduce their production costs because they don’t have to spend a lot of
money for chemical and fertilizers.
11. The nutritional value is higher in organic foods.
12. The food tastes is better and is poison free.
Disadvantages of Organic Farming
1. Limited Production – Off-Season crops are limited and the production amount is very
few, that is not enough for food production. Organic farming cannot produce enough
food that the world population needs to survive.
2. Shorter Shelf-Life – Organic products have more flaws and shorter shelf of life than
chemical production.
3. The production costs are a high error because farmers need more workers.
4. The food illness may happen more often.
5. Organic food is the more expensive because farmers not get as much out of their land
as conventional farmers do.
Principles of the Organic Farming
1. The Principle of the ecological balance – The organic farming on living ecological
system. Moreover, the methods of organic farming must fit the ecological balance and
ecological cycles.
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2. Principle of fairness – Organic farming provides a good quality of life and helps us to
reducing the soil infertility.
3. Principle of Health – Organic farming must be contribute to the health and well being
of plants, animals, humans, soil and the earth.
4. Principle of care – Organic agriculture in a careful and responsible way to help us to
the present and future generations and the environment.
Why is Conventional Farming Unsustainable ?
1. Loss of the biodiversity due to monoculture.
2. Soil erosion due to the deep ploughing and heavy rains.
3. Loss of soil fertility due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and lack of crop
rotation.
4. Nitrates run-off during rains contaminates water resources.
5. Use of poisonous biocide sprays to curb pest and weeds.
6. Marketing of organic produce is also not properly streamlined.
7. The guidelines for organic production, transportation, processing and certification are
not so easy or understanding for the Indian farmer.
Growth of Organic Farming
The world market for organic food has growth for over 15 years. The growth of retail
sales in North America is predicted to be 10% to 20% per year during the next few years. The
retail organic food production market in Canada is estimated at over 1.5 billion in 2008 and
22.9 billion in the USA in 2008. It’s estimated that imported products make up over 70% of
the organic food consumed in Canada. In the Canadian Organic farmers reported 669
certified organic farms in Ontario in 2007 with over 100000 certified organic acres of crops
and pasture land. Livestock production (meat, dairy and eggs) has also been steadily
increasing in the recent years. In the United States, retail sales increased from 20.39 billion in
2008 to 47.9 billion in 2019, while sales in Europe reached more than 37 billion in 2017. The
price of organic food is generally higher than that of conventionally grown food. The price of
organic food can be anywhere from less than 10% below to more than 100% above that of
conventionally grown produce.
Organic Farming in India
The main reason for organic farming in India is that farmers state to farm organically
is their concern about working with agricultural chemical in the farming system. According
to World Agri report 2018, India is the home, to 30% of the total organic production in the
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world, but accounts for just 2.59% (1.5 million hectares of the total organic farming land of
57.8 million hectares). A huge amount of fossil fuels used in agricultural system but organic
farming is the method of farming to be profitable and eco-friendly. Indian organic market has
a compared to 16% global growth rate. Oilseeds comprised half of Indian’s overall organic
food export, processed food products at 25%. India exported 1.35 million metric tons of
“certified organic” food in the year of 2015-2016. More than 30% of world’s organic
producers are in India. Current Indian organic market is estimated at more than 4000 crore
and it is likely to increases to 10000 to 200000 crore by 2020. India exported over 300
products in 20 different categories.
India is a agricultural based country, where more than two third of the population is
involved in agricultural sector. Before the time on 1960, India is a traditional based
agricultural country and used chemical fertilizers and pesticides for agriculture. But on 1960,
the Indian government had entered into the path of so called Green Revolution. After the
green revolution the crop production rate are more increases and our country was able to
satisfy partly the food security. National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) defined
its regulatory framework. Initial estimates during 2003-2004 suggested that approximately
42000 hector of cultivated land certified organic. By the year 2009 India had brought more
than 9.2 million hector of land under certification and it has been increased further.
The Gross Domestic Product rate of agriculture in India has been registered a steady
decline from 50% in 1950-51 to 12.5% in 2014-15. The essential concept of the practices is
“give back to nature”, where the philosophy is to feed the soil rather them the crop to
maintain the soil health.
Sikkim is the first state in India to 100% organic and won the ‘Oscar for best
policies’, conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organization for the world’s best policies
promoting agro ecological and sustainable food production. Sikkim was beat 51 nominations
from 25 different countries of the whole world to win the Future Policy Award 2018. The
Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Kumar Chamling received the award from the Deputy
Director of UN’s FAO Maria Helena Semedo in Rome on October 15.
Conclusion
Organic farming can be a viable and alternative food production method for farmers,
but there are some limitation like production costs are high, cannot produce enough food etc.
Organic farming can be a viable alternative method for farmers. The organic farming is a not
a new concept of farming. Many poor, small and marginal farmers mainly helpful by organic
farming because the investment amount is few. It is a one type of sustainable farming.
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Economic and social benefits like rural employment, improved household nutrition, food
security and the lower urban migration will be large gains in the economic conditions. In the
present and the future time the food products by organic farming is more demanded.
References
1. Adamchak, Raoul. (n.d.). Organic farming.Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/organic-farming
2. Barik, A. K. (2017). Organic Farming in India: Present Status, Challenges and
Technological Break Through. International Journal of Economic Plants. 04(04),
182-189.
3. Kankam, Theresah.(2017, July 27). Organic Farming: Types, Principles, Methods
and Importance. MyFarm. https://blog.agrihomegh.com/organic-farming-types-
principles/
4. Maitra, Sagar. Zaman, A. (n.d.). Organic farming in India: status, scope and potential.
5. Organic Farming, Types, methods, objectives and advantages | Organic farming in
India. (2018, November 23). https://www.upsciasexams.com/article-
details/219/Organic%20Farming,%20Types,%20methods,%20objectives%20and%20
advantages%20%7C%20Organic%20farming%20in%20India
6. http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/org_farm/orgfarm_introduction.html
7. https://byjus.com/commerce/organic-farming/
8. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/09-077.htm
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
VERMICOMPOSTING: A Gateway to Organic Farming
Dr. Kshan Prabha Sahoo
Department of Botany, N.C. Autonomous College Jajpur, Odisha-755001, India
Email:kp_moha@yahoo.co.in
During covid-19 situation, the farmers are the real heroes who are struggling for their
livelihood. There is a ray of hope for creating self-sufficiency by organic farming. The
farmers are also the heroes of this pandemic who supply fresh harvested fruits and vegetables
every day. Agriculture is a sector which will go on and on whatever may happen to the world.
Vermicomposting is the process by which the decomposition of various waste material like
food or vegetable waste, biodegradable waste, organic waste are converted to simple manure
by the help of earthworms. The waste is converted to worm castings, humus, worm manure,
faeces as the byproduct of the breakdown of the organic waste matters. Vermicomposting
contains a water soluble nutrient which is rich in organic fertilizers used as a soil conditioner.
Vermicomposting is used in organic farming, small scale sustainable farming. This process
can be applied for sewage treatment. It protects and converts the microbial population and
provides micro and macro nutrients to plants. This type of compost increases the soil texture
thereby increasing the water holding capacity. This is a natural process of recycling which
reduces wastes, greenhouse gas emissions, reduces pollution and reduces the need of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides too.
In this pandemic situation spending huge money and purchasing chemical fertilizers is quite
difficult for our farmer friends. So, Organic Farming using vermicomposting is quite cost
effective and it will not pose any harmful effect on environment. This is a sustainable
agricultural approach in present scenario. In this Pandemic times the migrant labourers
returning back to their natives, increasing population of an area, per capita income of a
family, losing jobs in private sector, demand of skill development, MSME sector,
Atmanirbhar Bharat has brought us to this agricultural sector where we can think of organic
farming through vermicomposting. Vermicomposting provides good quality of food without
any harmful chemical constituents in it. The intestine of earthworms secretes some enzymes
like proteases, lipases, amylase,cellulases and chitinases for converting the organic wastes
into useful form. This novel methods depends on the growth patterns of earthworms. The
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length, structure, reproduction and density of earthworms will give the idea about the proper
implementation of vermicomposting. The temperature, moisture, pH also plays a great role in
culturing the earthworms. This process took about 30-150 days for proper conversion of the
waste.
Organic farming always maintains a harmony with the environment by increasing soil
productivity through natural system. It is the balanced relationship between the soil, plant and
ecology in the adverse environmental condition. In 1980s Organic farming was in fastest
mode using manure and natural methods but now in mid 90s to 2000 it has lost its speed and
use of chemical has degraded the quality of soil, plant and ecosystem. Now again there is
demand for Organic foods as there is growing diseases, mutated microbes which has changed
the scenario.Now we are adopting ancient practices for developing organic farming. It takes
care of all biotic and abiotic factors involved in the ecosystem. If we go with nature then
there will be a sustainable agriculture. The key objective of organic farming through
vermicomposting is the demand of present people. Organic farming always points to have
better quality, taste, high nutritional values, less use of pesticides etc. The edible crops like
sugarcane, cereals, millets, pulses, medicinal plants not only grab the market value but also
the non-edible cotton fibres, jute, biodiesel yielding crops too. Organic Farming should be
encouraged to build relationship between the consumer and the producers (farmers) for a
sustainable life supportive system. The government has to develop strategies in MSME to
provide good opportunities to the farmer friends in this sector. So the farming through
Organic manures by vermicomposting will definitely solve the problem of food security
globally.
KEYWORDS: Vermicomposting, Organic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, Earthworm,
Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Effect of fly ash on physical and biochemical parameters of
Macrotylomauniflorum.
1Kalpita Bhatta*, 2Hemant Kumar Patra, 2Shantilata Sahoo and 1Arsia Tabish.
1Department of Botany,Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha.
2P.G Department of Botany, Utkal University, Odisha
Abstract
The present study evaluates the potency of an orphan crop Macrotylomauniflorum,growthin
fly ash.Generallythe legumes are known as orphan crop as they have been mostly
underutilized and neglected. However in this era of climate change to increase the food and
nutrition security the legumes should be given their due importance. Coal is the major source
for generating electrical energy in India. Fly ash produced in this process poses a great
problem for its disposal. It is an amorphous Alumino- Silicate mineral containing naturally
occurring essential element similar to that of soil except humus. Though fly ash is used in
construction, or in reclaiming acidic soil depending on its pH .But a larger portion of it
remain unused. However in 2003 Central Fuel Research Institute has developed Fly Ash soil
Amendment technology (FASAT) through which it is possible to use Fly Ash in bulk
quantities and increase the yield of different crops on a sustainable basis. In the present work
FASAT technology was used by taking pot culture with different proportion of fly ash and
soil in the ratio of 1:1, 2:1,3:1 and 4:1.Thereafter periodic growth was recorded at regular
interval. The ratio of 4:1 showed higher rate of germination with 90%. However 3:1
recorded the highest height of 9cm.The protein was estimated by Lowry method. The ratio
of 3:1 gave the maximum result.It showed19.42 mg/g of protein than soil which gave a
result of 10.294 mg/g of protein.
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
ORGANIC FARMING : A WAY TOWARDS NEW INDIA
*KESHARI PRASAD MOHANTY
*B SC. BOTANY STUDENT
N.C AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE
JAJPUR, ODISHA, INDIA
keshariprasadmohanty2001@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The world population is 7.7 billion as per October 2019. To fulfill all the requirements of out
growing population our ecosystem needs more output, as a result it causes pollution. India is
a country which is rich in Temple, Masjid, Girja like many worship places. Everyday due to
the ethical aspects of the people many bio-degradable waste materials like flowers, fruit
peels, leaves & pollens are produced with a great extent. These waste materials cause
pollution. But we can use it as Bio-fertilizer by preparing compost & humus. These organic
materials are rich in all sources of nutrients. As organic farming is a zero waste, cyclic
process hence this waste material can used as a high grade bio-fertilizer to increase the
productivity of soil.
Key words :- Ethical aspects, Bio-fertilizer, Humus, Organic Farming
63
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
ENZYMATIC POTENTIAL OF SERICULTURE WASTE DURING
VERMICOMPOSTING
Dr (Mrs) Mamata Pandey
Dept of Zoology
Rajendra college (Auto). Bolangir.Odisha.
Email: pndy_mmt@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Non–mulberry silkworms such as Philosamia ricini (Eri) and Antheraea mylitta
(Tasar) culture are of significance to the economy of the tribal population of Western Odisha.
The rearing of silkworms produces large amount of waste which goes unutilized. The major
part of the waste of silkworm contains larval excreta, leaf litter and dead larvae, moth &
cocoons. This organic waste can be profitably utilized for vermicomposting which has a lot
of commercial potential. The present investigation is intended to study the quality of the
compost from sericulture waste by vermicomposting. It is the process of mineralization and
mobilization of nutrients from organic waste using earthworms. During the process a number
of enzymes are released to the soil. The activity of these enzymes is the index of the quality
of composting. In my project the activity of enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, invertase
and dehydrogenase were assayed. Perionyx excavatus a locally available epigeic earthworm
was taken for the experiment. The quality of the compost was determined on 0,15,30,45, and
60 days of decomposition. The findings reveal that the specific activity of the enzymes
increased steadily during decomposition of the waste.
Keywords: Vermicomposting, Seri waste, amylase,cellulase,invertase and dehydrogenase
64
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
VERMI - TECHNOLOGY - A FACT SHEET
Dr Manas Ranjan Satpathy
Assistant Professor, P.G. Department of Botany,
Dhenkanal Autonomous College, Dhenkanal.
Introduction:
Modern day agriculture requires a concept to be practiced for boosting the soil
fertility which should be economic, ecologically sustainable having no adverse effect on
environment and beneficial to the society. We have all seen earthworms living under the soil
but never realized their importance to agriculture. Vermiculture seems to be an unique
sustainable methodology for the waste treatment having a great potential in the field of
organic waste management. This has become a technology where non-toxic organic residues
of plant and animal wastes are used as substrates to produce vermicastings. With the advent
of this the organic wastes from different sources are converted into usable form of nutrients
through bio -oxidation and stabilization with the synergistic efforts of earthworms and
microbes. As this has a larger potential for being used as plant growth media and soil
conditioner being highly rich in nutrients, this methodology has been upgraded to the status
of vermi-technology. Though this technology is not new to our country, still it has not
penetrated every corner of the farming community due to the lack of awareness and
unavailability of a group of microorganisms which have profound effects on maintaining soil
health and increasing crop production.
What is Vermiculture and Vermicomposting:
'Vermi' means worms (earthworms) and 'culture' means farming; hence,
vermiculture is a farming of earthworms, which are annelids. In this process, earthworms are
used under controlled conditions as versatile natural bioreactors who convert the organic
solid waste into a valuable nutrient-rich by-product.
When compost is prepared by using earthworms in order to fasten the process of
decomposing the plant and animal waste is called vermicompost and the process is
called vermicomposting.
Advantages of Vermicomposting:
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It is one of the simplest and cost effective methods for the production of
composting for both the small and large scale farmers by utilizing earthworms. Vermi-
composting, rightly called “gold from garbage” is the major input in organic agriculture
production. Owing to simple technology, many farmers are engaged in vermin-composting
production as it promotes soil health, soil productivity and reduces the cost of cultivation.
There is a gradual but slow increase of adoption of this technology due to the high level of
nutrient contents.
Nutrients Content in Vermicompost(%)
Organic Carbon 9.15-17.98
Total Nitrogen 1.5 to 2.10
Total Phosphorus 1.0 to 1.50
Total Potassium 0.60
Ca and Mg 0.0022-0.0070
Available S 0.0128-0.0548
Copper 0.0100
Iron 0.01800
Zinc 0.050
pH 6.9 – 7.2
Difference between Vermicompost & Compost:
Vermicomposting is the method of preparation of compost with the action of
worms. It is the process in which worms quickly breakdown the organic particles into smaller
components. But, composting on the other hand is left beside which takes enough time to
convert into manure for using it during crop cultivation. Traditional composting kills most
harmful microorganisms that come with the organic wastes. Vermicompost enhances plant
growth, suppresses disease in plants, increases porosity and microbial activity in soil and
improves water retention and aeration. Vermicompost also benefits the environment by
reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and decreasing the amount of waste going to
landfills.
Types of Worms used:
There are worms which are referred to by a variety of common names, including
red worms, African worms, red wigglers, tiger worms, brandling worms and manure worms.
The scientific names of some of the worms are: Elsinia foetida, Megascolex mauritii,
Lampito mauritii, Lampito rubellus, Eisenia andrei, Eudrilus euginae, Drawida willis,
Perionyx excavate and Eudrillus engenial.
Products obtained from Vermi-technology:
a. Vermicompost: It is an odourless, dark brown biofertilizer which is rich in potential
microbes and micro and macronutrients obtained from the process of vermi-technology.
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This is an excellent soil additive and act as effective biofertilizer made up of digested
compost.
b. Vermiwash: It is a brown colored leachate that is produced during the
vermicomposting process by the action of worms which is a rich source of macronutrients
and micronutrients important in maintaining soil health and for increasing crop
production. Vermiwash also contains many plant microbes beneficial for growth and
development of plants.
Factors affecting Vermi-technology:
a. It is necessary to maintain optimum amount of moisture during vermiculture process
because excess of water or lack of moisture could affect population of the earthworms.
b. It has been observed that African species of earthworms such as Elsinia foetida and
Eudrilus euginae are more efficient than their Indian counterparts.
c. Kitchen wastes such as onion, garlic, zinger, chili, tobacco leaves, etc. are not suitable
for vermicomposting.
d. Birds, rats, ants, termites, etc. are harmful to the earthworms hence not productive.
e. Materials of animal origin such as egg shells, meat, bone, chicken droppings, etc.
should be avoided in preparing vermicompost and vermiwash.
f. Plant based material wastes such as grass, leaves, vegetable based peels, plant parts
should be used during the preparation of pits.
Six benefits of Vermi-technology:
a. By using this, you naturally fertilize your plants and can save money on buying
fertilizers, soil conditioners, and insecticides that are necessary for gardens to maintain
their health. You can even turn your hobby of improving your garden profitable by selling
both the worms and castings produced to farmers, nurseries, and pet shops.
b. The “compost tea” created from vermicomposting helps to combat common diseases
in plants such as tomato blight, grape and squash mildew. This compost is beneficial to
the health of vegetables, fruits, and trees, and enhances growth all around.
c. Vermiculture helps in cutting down of your household waste. The red worms used
continue to reproduce as long as there is food waste for them to consume. Once the food
runs out, the worms begin to die. To maintain a successful worm bin, one has to
constantly add household vegetable food scraps to the bins to keep the worms alive and
thereby greatly cut down on the amount of waste you throw out at your home.
d. Products grown out of this are shown to grow larger and in some cases even taste
better. In commercial settings, products grown in this manner demand a higher price due
to their better quality.
67
e. Vermiculture is an organic process that cuts out the need to be concerned about the
risks associated with traditional chemicals and fertilizers. The toxins such as benzene and
xylene that are contained in some pesticides and fertilizers can cause serious damage to
human’s organs and the nervous system.
f. Vermi-technology is an odorless method which can easily be adapted at the domestic
front.
Challenges/Constraints for Vermi-technology:
a. There are several parts in India where awareness regarding this technology is still far
away. Agriculturists still use the cow dung under traditional methods in the field without
following the prescribed norms.
b. SOPs need to be developed to educate the farmers to the technical aspects for making
compost through nurturing of earthworms and managing the vermi-technology.
c. Intensive training and capacity building are required to be developed at the farmer
entrepreneur level to attract them to such technology.
d. Due to limited resources, in most places across the country the vermin-technology is
being utilized by the farmers for its own domestic use in farms or field. But, adoption of
vermicomposting as an enterprise is still not been conceived as a viable option by many.
e. Organic farming is gaining very much importance rapidly but there is a limited
demand for vermicompost. Simultaneously, the retail networking of existing vermi units
are very weak for which it is not getting popularized.
f. Due to unavailability of efficient earthworm species, it becomes difficult to start a
vermi unit as they are the principal constituents of such technology.
g. The quality of compost depends on the quality of raw materials from which this has
been made and there are variation of nutrition level, accordingly. There is less
laboratories available to analyze the chemical composition of the vermicompost in the
semi-urban and rural areas of the country. There is no single window system to regulate
the vermi-technology in India.
Conclusion:
Vermiculture has been given the status of technology which works with the objectives
such as waste management of community, highly economical and sustainable way of
increasing crop production, replaces the costly and hazardous chemical fertilizers and poverty
eradication programs in villages. The chemical fertilizers are produced from non renewable
resources of earth whereas the vermicompost has emerged as a suitable and sustainable
68
alternative for the farmer which are produced from renewable sources, pollution free and
ecofriendly. It can be concluded that for the practice of much needed organic farming the
vermi-technology is the emerged as most befitting alternative available today.
References:
Aalok, A., Tripathi, A. K. and Soni, P. (2008). Vermicomposting: a better option for organic
solid waste management. J. Human Ecol. 24: 59-64.
Bhiday, M. R.(1994). Earthworms in agriculture. Indian Farming, 43(12):31-34.
Geetanjly, Sharma, P., Rai, V. L. and Kushwaha, R. (2015). Role of eco-friendly approaches
in sustainable agriculture. Int. J. Curr. Multidisciplinary Stud. 1: 31-41.
Soni,R. and Sharma,A.(2016). Vermiculture technology: A novel approach in organic
farming. Ind. Hort. J. 6(1):150-154.
Zularisam, A.W., Zahirah, Z.S., Zakaria, I., Syukiri, M.M, Anwar, A. and Sakinah, M.
(2010). Production of biofertilizer from vermicomposting process of municipal sewage
sludge. J. App. Sc. 10: 580-584.
69
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
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AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
VERMICOMPOSTING AND ORGANIC FARMING
Manjusha Tyagi1*Rukhsar Parveen2, Ankita3, Santosh Arya4
1*Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun
2Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun 3Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun 4Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun
CorrespondenceAuthor- manjushatyagi2008@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The modern form of organic farming is new concept .However it being popular in the world
and developed countries. India has tremendous potential to grow crops and vegetable
organically and emerge as a major supplier of organic product in the world organic market.
Vermicomposting play a very important role in organic farming. It is non- thermophilic
biodegradation of organic material through the interaction between microorganism and
earthworm.Vermicomposting is a safe, sustainable approach for treating organic waste. The
decomposition of complex organic waste resource into odour free humus-like substance
through the action of earthworms. It is being commercialized all over the world. It spread
many countries like china,US & Australia. Vermicompost are beneficial the environment by
reducing the chemicals fertilizer and decreasing the waste going to landfills. A new product
of vermicomposting is vermicompost tea which is a liquid produced by extracting organic
matter, microorganism and nutrient from vermicompost. Now a days vermicomposting is
spread in India and other countries. It is easily storable, cheap, and do not create any
pollution and also easy adaptability by farmer. At present farmer move forward to organic
farming. It is more valuable and beneficial in our society.
Keywords- Vermicomposting, organic matter, vermicompost, earthworms, vermicompost tea
70
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AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
EFFECT OF HEAVY METAL LIKE ZINC (Zn2+) IN ORGANICALLY
AMENDED SOILS
Dr.Manna Milian
Dept. of Botany, Binayak Acharya College , Berhampur, email: mannamilian07@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Accumulation of heavy metals in soils is posing a serious threat to the flora and fauna as it is
entering the food chain via different sources. A study was conducted on Zinc, a heavy metal
regarding the effect of heavy metal on seedling growth in organically amended soils.
Anthropogenic activities have been identified as major source of heavy metals entering to food
chain hence organic agriculture has been popularized throughout the world in recent past due to
safety and environmental concerns. Application of chemical fertilizer and sludge has been
restricted for organic agriculture as scientific evidences shown that those may contain hazardous
heavy metals. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in over dose have given a
great impact on rising the heavy metal concentration in fruits, vegetables and ground water
aquifers.Since most of the ingestion of heavy metals in humans occurs from the consumption of
plants, addressing how heavy metals impact plant growth can aid in controlling heavy metal
toxicity .Roots of plants are primarily the contact site for heavy metals, in addition to that, aerial
organs of plants (leaves, fruits and flowers) are also possible media to absorb heavy metals
directly due to particles deposited on their surfaces . In plants, uptake of heavy metals depends
on the plant species and bioavailability of the metal in the soil. The seeds of the experimental
plant material were treated with different concentrations of the metal from 0.1mg/L to
1000mg/L. Higher concentrations of zinc reduced the seedling growth as manifested by the
decrease in root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight. However , lower
concentrations of the metals stimulated growth. But the metal caused significant loss in
chlorophyll content at the concentrations of 10 and 100 mg/L . The two components of
chlorophyll i.e., chlorophyll a and b also exhibited similar trends. Lower concentration of the
metal cause a significant decrease in carotenoid content but at higher concentrations there was an
increase in the content of the pigment . There was an increase in the protein content in shoot and
root with increase in concentration of zinc but marginal decline in protein at higher
concentrations. Further studies can be made regarding effect of zinc in plant growth in
organically amended soils.
Keywords: heavy metal, organically amended soils, chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein
71
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AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Sustainability in Agriculture
Milimita Padhi
Government Science College, Chatrapur
ABSTRACT
Great progress in agricultural productivity in the last decades, with crop and livestock
productivity has also driven increased use of fertilizers, irrigation water, agricultural
machinery, pesticides and land have put adverse effects on environmental goods and services.
In recent years Integration of biological and ecological processes is in demand for food
production, which can minimize the use of non-renewable inputs that cause harm to the
environment and human beings. sustainability in agricultural systems strongly need to
develop technologies and practices that do not have adverse effects on natural environments
and can take care of food scares related to contamination and animal diseases, public fears of
genetic modification, and must be accessible to and effective for farmers. 3 Pillars of
Sustainability includes: Profit over the long term, Stewardship of our nation’s land, air and
water, Quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their community. Sustainable agriculture
outcomes can be positive for food productivity, reduced pesticide use and carbon balances.
Significant challenges, however, remain to develop national and international policies to
support the sustainable forms of agricultural production across both industrialized and
developing countries.
72
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ORGANIC FARMING: A MODERN APPROACH FOR CULTIVATION OF
MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
1MUNIT SHARMA, 2RISHI THAKUR, 2PARDEEP KUMAR, 2SUNIL KUMAR AND
2MUNISH SHARMA*
1Department of Botany and Microbiology, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
2School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, TAB, Shahpur (Kangra)
*Email: munishsharma785@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants form a major segment of the flora, which provides resources
for use in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and drug industries. The medicinal plants in
different drug industries are of immense significance due to an increase in the production of
biomass produced without the use of harmful chemicals. The medicinal and aromatic plant
species under organic agriculture helps in the improvement of yield as well as quality due to
well use of organic fertilizers and microbial symbiosis. However, the question on the relative
benefits of both the conventional and organic farming systems in recent times gained
considerable interest. The global agricultural development has focused on increased
productivity rather than on integrated natural resource management for food security. Thus,
increasing more sustainable farming practices on a large scale is of maximum importance.
Organic farming and practices enhance farm productivity and profitability, soil health (soil
fertility and productivity), etc. Organic farming, biodynamic farming, and ecological farming
are the main components of the natural way of farming. Natural farming is self-sufficient but
it is complicated to meet our requirement to feed the increasing population and food security.
Conversely, chemical farming yields a large amount but poses severe harms for soil,
environment, and human health. There is a path in between above mentioned two types of
systems of farming, that is organic farming and its aim is to create integrated, humane,
environmentally and economically agricultural production systems, which capitalize
dependence on farm-derived renewable resources and the management of ecological and
biological processes and interactions to provide an acceptable level of the crop, livestock and
human nutrition, protection from pests and diseases and an appropriate return to the human
and other resources employed.As a result of the optimistic influence of organic components
in medicinal and aromatic plant species cropping system, those farmers who adopted organic
73
farming management practices, have found an approach to improve the overall quality of
their soil, or at least repress the deterioration established productive capacity for future
generations. So, organic farming of medicinal and aromatic plant species is a technical
modern concept and is an environmentally friendly method. This study has been mainly
focused on the impact of organic farming on the overall growth and yield of medicinal and
aromatic plant species.
Keywords:Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Organic Farming System, Organic fertilizers and
Pharmaceuticals.
INTRODUCTION
Human being has been dependent on medicinal and aromatic plants since from ancient time.
About three-quarters of the world’s population use medicinal and aromatic plantsfor their
health care. The indigenous systems of medicines developed in India make use of many
medicinal herbs. These systems include Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and many other
indigenous practices. Thousands of higher plants have been reported to be of high medicinal
value and constitute a major source of raw material for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and drug
industries. More than 9,000 native plants have established and recorded curative properties
and about 1500 species are known for their aroma and flavour (Nagar et al., 2017). The 80%
of the population of developing countries relies on traditional plant based medicines for their
health requirements (Annon, 2014). The medicinal and aromatic plants in health systemshave
a great significance and rising focus on solving the health care problems of the world. Present
research in drug innovation from medicinal plants involves a versatile approach combining
botanical, phytochemical, biological and molecular techniques (Sastry et al., 2015). A
number of medicinal plants also produce essential oils as well as being used for perfumery
(El-Hennawy, 2018). The decision on area allotted by a cultivator for a given crop or new
crop, is influenced by several factors about some of which the cultivator may have had little
or no knowledge when he first started its cultivation and once decided to cultivate the crop,
the decision on its cultivation under organic farming system is influenced by the experience
the cultivator, availability of resources and other complementary factors (Afaqet al., 2013).
Many cultivators of organic farming in medicinal and aromatic crops have known the
importance of cultivation of crop under organic condition and were well equipped to expand
its cultivation under organic system of production (Malik, 2014). So, Cultivars expect that the
decision about expanding the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants to under organic
conditions to the larger areas they need to follow the integrated farming system to meet out
the nutrients and other requirements under the organic farming system. With whatever little
experience the farmers have had with its cultivation, are willing to bring the still larger area
74
under the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants while the further the area under
organic cultivation of these crops has to increase (Malik, 2014). The global and sustainable
approach for the improvement in medicinal and aromatic plant quality is possible with the
establishment of the organic system of management of crops. Few studies have compared the
organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of medicinal plants has been done
(HoseinSartip et al., 2015). The application of organic manures on medicinal and aromatic
plants revealed the enhancement of yield and uptake of nutrients. However, the quality of the
essential oil did not influence them. Not only organic manures, biofertilizers (Azotobacter
and Azospirillum), arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria,
organic mulches, and crop rotations also play an important role for the enhancement of yield
and nutrients utilization. India’s medicinal plants export is of Rs.1500 crores worth and
essential oil amounts Rs 300 crores. Medicinal and aromatic plants grown organically have
an excellent global market and India can exploit this market to its advantage (Rao and Rajput,
2005).
MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
Whole plant or individual plant part such as root, stem, leaves, bark, flower, fruits, seeds, etc.
or the chemicals derived from these parts are used in a different system of medicines
(Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Folklore, etc.) to cure the disease are
known as medicinal plants. The utilization of medicinal plants is direct utilization in the form
of plant parts (root, stem, leaf, seed, and bark), powder, extracts, medicinal chemicals
(alkaloids, glycosides), and plant drugs.
Relationship between Organic Farming Systems and Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
The organic farming system emphasizes the use of organic matters for maintaining soil
health, growth, and multiplication of beneficial microbes and minimizing health hazards
associated with food. Medicinal and aromatic crops have a great requirement in modern
civilization to take out various natural products for human welfare. It's gained global
significance and is sought after by pharmaceutical companies and flavor and fragrance
industries all over the world. The physical and chemical properties (quality) of the compound
extracted from the organically grown medicinal and aromatic crop plants are superior as
compared to the traditional system. But designing an organic farming system to tie together
principles of sustainability and productivity is complex in these crops. Organic farmers must
consider how the various components of their system - rotations, pest and weed management,
and soil health - will maintain both productivity and profitability. Although practices vary
from farm to farm and region to region, at the core of any successful annual organic farming
system is the crop rotation. Enhance soil conservation and build soil organic matter, provide
weed, disease and insect control, enhance water quality and conservation, biological diversity
75
and wildlife habitat, and ensure economic profitability for the farming system. As the main
management tool for all aspects of the farming system - including weeds, pests, insects, soils,
and crop production - a well-planned rotation is more than the sum of its parts, addressing the
connections between all of those factors. Irrespective of the type of crops the concept of
organic agriculture builds on the idea of the efficient use of locally available resources as
well as the usage of adapted technologies (e.g. soil fertility management, the closing of
nutrient cycles as far as possible, control of pests and diseases through the management and
natural antagonists). It is a system-oriented approach for option for sustainable agricultural
growth and offer potential benefits namely greater yield stability in risk-prone tropical
ecosystems, higher yields, and incomes in traditional farming systems, once they are
improved and the adapted technologies are introduced, and improved soil fertility, the
restoration of degraded or abandoned land and long-term sustainability of farming systems, a
reduced dependence of farmers on external sources,strengthened self-confidence and
autonomy of farmers (Yaghoub R and Morteza A.M., 2014)
Effect of compost on medicinal plants
Composting is a biological process in which organic biodegradable wastes are converted into
the hygienic, humus-rich products (compost) for use as a soil conditioner and organic
fertilizer. These are also used to provide biological control against various plant pathogens.
Application of compost can increase soil structure, fertility, and consequently development
and productivity of medicinal plants. In chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), the effect of
chemical fertilizer and compost on soil productivity showed that all compost + liquid
compost treatments improved the flower head's growth characters i.e. fresh or dry weights of
flower heads and flower head diameter and essential oil contents.
Effect of Vermicomposting on medicinal plants yield and secondary metabolite
synthesis
Vermicompost contains most nutrients in plant-available forms such as nitrates, phosphates,
exchangeable calcium, and soluble potassium. Vermicompost has a large particulate surface
area that provides many microsites for the microbial activity and strong retention of nutrients.
It is rich in microbial population and diversity, particularly fungi, bacteria, and
actinomycetes. It contains plant growth regulators such as cytokinins and auxins. It has large
amounts of humic substances and affects the plant growth. As a result, most nutrients are
easily available such as; nitrates, phosphates, and exchangeable calcium and soluble
potassium which are responsible to increase the plant growth and crop yield. In sweet fennel,
the highest anethole content and the lowest contents of fenchone, limonene and estragole of
essential oil were obtained in a treatment contained vermicompost and application of
vermicompost favorably affects soil pH, microbial population and soil enzyme activities
76
which all of them can affect the increase in biosynthesis of Phenolic compounds in
strawberries and chamomile, herb yield of mint.
Effect of Bio-Fertilizers on Essential Oil and Yield of Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants(Yaghoub R and Morteza, 2014)
a) Mycorrhizal fungi
Mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial microorganisms considered as bio-fertilizer. It promotes the
establishment, growth, and health of plants. The improved productivity of Vesicular
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza plants was attributed to enhanced uptake of immobile nutrients such
as Phosphorus, Zinc, and Copper. The effects of the mycorrhizal association on the
concentration and composition of essential oil in coriander (Coriandrum sativum), showed
that VAM inoculation increased the concentration of the essential oil in seeds up to 48% and
caused improvement of essence quality, therefore the number of consequential components
like Geranial (20%) linalool (65%) significantly increased in mycorrhizal treatments in
comparison with non-inoculated control.
b) Bacterial biofertilizers
Some bacteria provide plants with growth-promoting substances and play a major role in
phosphate solubilizing. The soil is inoculated with bacterial mixtures caused more balanced
nutrition for plants and improved the root uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus in the main
mechanism of interaction between phosphate solubilizing and bacteria nitrogen-fixing. The
effect of some varieties of phosphate solubilizing bacteria on the yield of Lemon Grass and
noted that the plant height and biomass were increased, an improvement in germination
indexes such as percentage and speed of germination, viability, and also the length of roots
and stems of Ocimum sanctum and Withaniasomniferumtreated with Azospirillum and
Azotobacter bio-fertilizers, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, nitrogen fixation bacteria, and a
combination of these fertilizers.Azotobacter is able to produce antifungal compounds that
fight plant diseases and increase viability and germination of the plantlets and, as a result,
improve the overall plant growth
Intercropping of medicinal plants
The term “intercropping” refers to the special cropping system obtained by the simultaneous
growing of two or more species.An attempt to utilize some aromatic oil-bearing plants,
namely Artemisia annuaL., Coriandrum sativum L., Chamomilla recutitaRausch.,
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and AnethumsowaKurtz., as intercrops to manage aphid infestation
on mustard (Brassica junceaL.) was performed in India, who obtained the lowest aphid
population when mustard was intercropped with fennel, and the highest one when it was
cultivated in mixture with coriander. All mixed culture treatments in German chamomile and
saffron intercropping cultivation, had significantly higher land equivalent ratio than pure
77
saffron. Considering higher ratios of all mixed culture treatments, there was higher use
efficiency in mixed culture of these plants for soil and other inputs.
Conclusion
According to the effect of wide spread demand to use organic products as well as medicinal
and aromatic plants, as a suitable substitution of industrial agriculture products and synthetic
drugs, it is necessary to serious attention of organic cultivation of medicinal and aromatic
plants.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are thankful to Mr. Kuldip Kumar Sharma and Mrs. Chanchalla Sharma for their
guidance and constant support as well as for providing necessary information regarding the
research.
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4. El-Hennawy, H.M. (2018). Medicinal, aromatic and toxic plants in Arab countries. FAO
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5. Malik, R. (2014). Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops as a means of
diversification of agriculture in India. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural
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6. Mendez, V.E., Bacon, C.M., Olson, M., Petchers, S., and Herrador, D. (2010). Effects of
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7. Nagar, R.K., Pandey, S.B.S., Vasishth, A. Chauhan, P.S.,andRanawat, J.S. (2017).
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The Pharma Innovation Journal, 6(9):303-305.
8. Rajeswara Rao, B.R. and Rajput, D.K. (2005). Organic farming in medicinal and
aromatic plants. In: Compilation note of winter school on organic farming - A step
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towards Eco-farming for sustainable agriculture, July 4-24, 2005, held at Dept. Agron.,
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9. Sartip,H.,Yadegari, H., and fakheri, B. (2015). Organic agriculture and production of
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10. Sastry, K.P., Kotesh, K.J., and Srinivas, K.S. (2015). Promotion of cultivation and
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STUDIES ON CONSERVATION GENETICS OF TASAR SILKWORM
ANTHERAEA MYLITTA DRURY (LEPIDOPTERA: SATURNIIDAE)
ECORACES AVAILABLE IN THE STATE OF ODISHA USING DNA
MARKERS
PritiPragyan Ray and Pranati Pattnaik1
Shailabala Women’s (A) College, Cuttack
1M.P.C (A) College, Barpada
Email: wonderpriti@gmail.com
Abstract
Biological resources play a vital role in economic development of any country. Tasar
silk cocoons produced from Tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraeamylitta Drury (Lepidoptera:
Saturniidae) are one of the important forest produce of the country and tasar culture is an old
age tradition flourishing as a traditional and cultural heritage of tribes of India. Tasar culture
provides livelihood to poor tribal people and also earns foreign exchange for our country. It
has 56 reported ecoraces distributed along central, eastern, north- eastern and southern India
with varied phenotypic, physiological and behavioral characters. These wild ecoracesharbor
many beneficial genes and their alleles are developed through centuries by the process of
natural selection. Out of them, in the tribal dominated state of Odisha at least 8 ecoraces have
been reported till date. However, due to anthropogenic stresses like habitat destruction,
pollution, deforestation, mining, urbanization and other activities, there is pressure on the
survival of these ecoraces. This has resulted in drastic decline in wild tasar cocoon production
in the state of Odisha in particular. So, there is a crucial need to involve and educate local
tribals of the state on wild cocoon collection and insect conservation to save the ecoraces
from extinction. The tasar wild insect needs conservation both under short and long term
measures and on and off their habitat for the sustainable utility and socio-economic up-
liftment of rural tribals of the state. These ecoraces are very much important for
bioprospecting and biowealth management point of view, so maintenance and sustainable
management are need of the hour to protect and conserve the ecoraces for posterity. The
present paper reports the conservation need of this precious genetic resource using DNA
markers.
Keywords: Antheraeamylitta, ecoraces, anthropogenic stresses, conservation, technology package
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LIFE CYCLE, COILING PATTERN, HISTOLOGICAL ALTERNATION
AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME OF SOIL DWELLING EARTHWORM
EXPOSED TO FURADAN
Puspanjali Parida and Nibedita Mohapatra
P.G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa Universiy, Baripada 757003 (Odisha), India
Email: p_parida2000@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
Earthworms are usually used as bioindicator of soil. In the present work the earthworm, E.
euginae was taken as model system. Eudrilus eugeniae (African night crawler) were kept in
plastic tray (30c.m x25c.m. x6.5c.m.) and were acclimatized for seven days in the laboratory
condition prior to the experiment. Each tray contains soil covered with net and moist gunny
cloths were used to maintain temperature and darkness. The soil in each tray were spiked with
15 mg of furadan dissolved in 1ml of acetone. Five to six number of earthworms were picked
up from each tray and their pooled weight was measured in digital monopan balance
(Shimadzu; ELB 300). A 10% homogenate was prepared in ice-cold 50 mM phosphate buffer
(pH 7.4) using pre-chilled porcelain mortar and pestle by up and down strokes at 4oC. The
homogenate was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for10 minutes at 4oC in Cooling Centrifuge (Remi).
The supernatant was taken for biochemical assay (superoxide dismutase and catalase). The
life cycle, coiling pattern and histological alteration are also studied in response furadan as
supporting evidence.
Keywords: Earthworms, Superoxide dismutase and Catalase, Life cycle, Coiling pattern and
Histological alteration
81
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AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
Application of Vermitechnology in Aquaculture : A Review
Rajlaxmi Mohanty, Department of Zoology, Govt. Womens College, Keonjhar
ABSTRACT
Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming makes critical contribution to development in areas
of food security, nutrition as well as employment. This field is extensively growing and now
it is very much essential to make this cost effective. Intensive aquaculture also generates
significant amounts of nutrient rich sludge which also represents a potential environmental
threat. So keeping in view the economical benefit and the growing concern for conservation
of energy, optimum but economical utilisation of available resource with simultaneous
pollution control measure has led to integrated farming system. The end products of
vermicomposting are a highly valued organic fertilizer and the mature worms can serve as
fish bait and fish food. Earthworms are considered as excellent bioreactors for waste
recycling. The direct use of organic wastes in aquatic bodies can be potentially hazardous as
they increase the BOD and also the chances of pathogen infection are higher. On the contrary
vermicomposting can convert these organic wastes into useful organic fertilizer without any
side effects. Vermicompost is also used as organic manure in agricultural fields. Aquaculture
in paddy fields is widely implemented. Silk worms also serve as a good protein supplement
for fish in aquaculture. Vermicomposting is thus an effective mode of waste management,
nutrient cycle and sustainable organic farming that leads to progressive approaches such as
agriculture-aquaculture-vermiculture farm or vermiculture-sericulture-carnivorous fish
culture.
Key words: aquafarming, cost effective, sludge, integrated farming, BOD, bioreactors.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Vermiculture products as food
Vermicompost as manure
Vermiculture products as bioreactors in processing Aquaculture sludge
Integrated agriculture-aquaculture-vermiculture farm as a holistic and synergistic approach
Vermiculture-sericulture-carnivorous fish culture
Conclusion
82
Reference
Introduction
A sustainable technology aims at minimal and effective utilisation of natural resources with
increasing profitability, productivity, improved quality of products with simultaneous
concern for pollution control. Water is emerging as an international challenge and its most
efficient management and recycling is of high priority. Aquaculture or aquafarming has
gained its momentum by providing food security, business opportunity and self employment
in rural areas. Establishing aquaculture as an economically more beneficial technology can
help small scale rural farmers who represent the greatest population in any developing
country. So keeping view all of this, an amalgamation of aquaculture with vermiculture and
agriculture can be a progressive approach towards a viable development in organic farming.
Apart from principal investment, aquaculture also includes operating expenses mainly
for seed, fertilizer, feed and labour. The cost of feed and fertilizer constitute about 70% of the
total operating expenses (Deolaiikar,1997). So to make aquaculture more cost effective it is
necessary to reduce the expenses by switching to alternative low cost more yielding feed and
fertilizer. Organic manuring is widely practiced in fish farming ponds; for high yield as well
as to reduce expenditure on costly feeds and fertilizers (Chakrabarty 1994; Gilloy 2003). But,
the direct use of organic wastes in aquaculture can be potentially hazardous as they increase
the BOD of the water body and also it increases the chances of pathogen transmission.
However, the use of vermicompost and vermiproducts (vermiwash, earthworm, cocoon etc)
can serve to be a low cost alternative for fish feed, bait, and manure and simultaneously it is
also free from any side effects.
Vermiculture products as food
Vermicompost can be utilised for consumption by fish as well as food for other fish food
organisms, thereby playing an important role in the aquatic food chain. Earthworm contain
many essential amino acids, along with haemoglobin in their blood serum which provides the
iron required for the development of fish (Chakrabarty et al. 2009 ). The worm tissue is about
60% protein, preponderance of long chain fatty acids, excellent range of vitamins, is rich in
Niacin and is an usual source of vitamin B12 (Edwards and Niederer 1988).
Vermicompost also provides desirable nutrients, minerals, vitamins etc for
phytoplanktons and zooplanktons growth (Chakrabarty 2009) which subsequent serve as food
for fishes in the aquabody. Vermiwash is reported to contain growth hormones, antibiotics
and vitamins (Atlavinyte & Daclulyte 1969; Lee 1985; Ismail 1997). Juvenile fishes are able
83
to take very small food particles present in vermiwash. It is also seen in a laboratory
experiment by Chakrabarty et al. (2009a) that probably these substances help the fish to
remain disease free.
Vermicompost as manure
Vermicompost as a fertilizer enhances the physio-chemical properties of water and pond
sediment (Kaur and Ansal 2010). According to Sujatha et al. (2003), earthworm casts contain
2-5 times more organic matter, total nitrogen and exchangeable cations than soil which
improves sediment quality. Ghosh 2004, utilized vermicomposting to provide earthworm
biomass and vermicast as organic fertilizer in cat fish (Clarias batracus) semi intensive
ponds (with a stocking rate of 15000 fish/ha) and obtained a mean individual weight gain of
1.64g/day. It was related to be due to increased primary production and improved water
retention capacity. Thus the technology of vermicomposting coupled with aquaculture
ensures improved use of feed with low operational cost and high yielding thereby, extending
optimum financial benefit to small scale and large scale aquaculturists.
Vermiculture products as bioreactors in processing Aquaculture sludge
Aquaculture by products includes fish manure, unused feed or fish processing wastes that can
be a prospective candidate imposing threat to the aquatic environment. Intensive aquaculture
waste can be effectively processed through vermicomposting. In initial trials at University of
Idaho, Rnyk et al. (1998a/1998b) attempted to evaluate the suitability of trout manure as a
feed stock for vermicomposting. The project suggested that vermicomposting can
beneficially recycle residues from aquaculture production. Some earthworm species that can
be effectively fed with biosolids from aquaculture of yellow perch (Perca flavenscens),
Tilapia (Oreochromis) are Eudrilus euginae, Eisenia hortensis, Perionyx excavatus,( Yeo and
Binkowski 2010).
The studies also indicated that earthworms do not tolerate fresh fish manure rather a
period of acclimation was necessary before the worms would grow and reproduce when fed
with aquaculture manure.
Integrated agriculture-aquaculture-vermiculture farm as a holistic and synergistic
approach:
The paddy fields form suitable aqua body where aquaculture can be practised, hence
supporting the expansion of sustainable food production on land and in water. Review
materials for aquaculture in paddy fields are at hand (Pullin and Shehadeh 1980; Jhingran
1997). In India, this paddy cum fish culture is practised in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and
84
Assam. The interest in this practice has declined in the recent years due to use of pesticides.
Vermicomposting is an effective mode of waste management, nutrient cycle and sustainable
organic farming. So incorporating vermiculture into integrated agriculture-aquaculture
farming can be a harmonic approach providing an autonomous organic-agro-aqua ecosystem
based on partnership with nature. Such an integrated farming serves as a model for
sustainable food production as-
• There is use of organic vermicompost manure that has no side effects. Rather
it enriches the water holding capacity and physio-chemical properties of the
aquatic environment.
• The waste product of one biological system serves as nutrient for the other
biological systems. Efficient waste utilization leads to a balanced ecosystem
where there is no waste.
• Water is reused through biological filtration and recirculation.
• It is cost effective as it decreases the investment and increases the output.
In a vermicompost farm in Akshay Krishi Vikash, Mahisbaten, Nadia successfully yielded
agriculture and aquaculture using vermicompost as manure (Chakrabarty et al. 2007a). Large
scale vermicomposting is usually integrated in semi intensive fish farming to limit nutrients
from natural feeds ( Pucher et al.).
Vermiculture-sericulture-carnivorous fish culture
Mulberry plants are grown on and around pond dikes irrigated with pond water. Silk is
extracted from silkworms reared on mulberry leaves while, the remaining pupae (having very
high protein content are fed back to carnivorous fish. Sericulture can be made more
sustainable by recycling the sericulture farm wastes with the use of vermitechnology. Clarias
batracus(Linnaeus 1758; common name Magur) and Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch 1794;
common name Singhi) have been fed with earthworms and silkworm pupae prevented them
from cannibalism even in high stock density. Thus, such a practice of integrated farming
supports composite culture of carnivorous fishes.
Conclusion
The simple technology of vermicomposting can render fish feed to be an affordable and
easily available resource. As a result both small scale rural farmers and large scale farmers
overcome the fish feed related challenges derailing the aquaculture development and
ecological woes. With the growing population, the demand for food has incredibly increased
placing a significant pressure on the limited natural resources. To satisfy this need keeping in
85
view the concern for conservation of energy is the need of the hour. Thus, there is urgent
need to enhance the culture of earthworms representing as a suitable live fish feed, bait and
fish meal supplement. Extensive investigation in vermicomposting of fish manure especially
of fresh water fin fishes can certainly be advancement towards sustainable aquaculture that
can potentially increase the socio economic status of the society.
References
Atlavinyte O, Daciulyte J (1969 The effect of earthworms on accumulation of vitamin B12 in
soil. Pedobiologia 9,165-170
Brown JH Gillooly JF (2003) Ecological food webs: High-quality data facilitate theoretical
unification. Proceedings of the National academy of Sciences USA 100, 1467-1468
Chakrabarty D (1994) Application of phosphate rock in carp culture: Responses of
phosphorous in in sediments. PhD thesis, University of Kalyani, Kalyani,
Nadia,WestBengal, India, 254pp
Chakrabarty D (2009) Vermicompost and Organic Pisciculture (3rddn), Akshay krishi Vikash
Westbengal, India, pp1-47
Chakrabarty D, Das MK, Das Sk (2007a) modelling of energy Transformations in fertilized
tropical fish ponds. Lakes and reservoirs: research and management 12, 295-301
Chakrabarty D, Das MK, Das Sk (2007b) Comparitive efficiency of vermicompost over
single super phosphate in carp culture. Asian Environmental technology
Oct./Nov.11(4), 8-9
Chakrabarty D, Das Sk, Das MK (2009a) Vermiwash: the balance diet for juvenile fish. 16th
West Bengal State Science and Technology congress, Kolkata, India, 290pp
Chakrabarty D, Das Sk, Das MK (2009b) Relative Efficiency of vermicompost as direct
application manure in pisciculture. Paddy and Water Environment 7, 27-32
Chakrabarty D, Das Sk, Das MK (2009c) Earthworm (Eudrillus euginae) multiplication
through variable substrate. Aquaculture Nutrition 15,513-516
Chakrabarty D, Das Sk, Das MK, Biswas P (2009) Application of Vermitechnology in
Aquaculture. Dynamic Soil Dynamic Plant 3(Special Issue 2), Global science books,
41-43 pp
Darwin C (1981) The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms with
some Observations on their Habits, John Murray, London,Uk, 326pp
Deolaiikar AV (1997) Studies on vermicomposting process of paper mill solid waste and
application of vermicompost and earthworm in Aquaculture. PhD thesis, Dept. Of
Agricultural and Food Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, India, 216pp
Edwards CA, Niederer A (1988) The Production and Processing of Earthworm. Earthworms
86
in Waste and Environment Management. The Hague: Protein SPB Academic
Publishing, Illinois, 165-167 pp
Ghosh C (2004)Integrated Vermi-Pisciculture- an alternative option for recycling of solid
municipal waste in rural India. Bioresource Technology 93, 71-75
Ismail SA (1997) Vermicology: The Biology of Earthworms, Orient longman, Hydrabad, 92
pp
Jhingran VG(1997) Fish and Fisheries of India (2nd Edn), Hindustan Publishing Corp., New
Delhi, 666pp
Kaur V, Ansal M (2010) efficacy of vermicompost as fish pond manure- Effect on water
quality andgrowth of cyprinus carpio (Linn.). Bioresource Technology, 101(15),
6215-6218 pp
Lee KE(1985) Earthworms: their Ecology and Relationships with Soils and Land Use,
Academic Press, New York,411pp
Pucher J, Ngoc T, Thihanyen T, Mayrhofer R, EL-Matbouli M, Focken U (2014) earthworm
meal as fish meal replacement in plant based feeds for common carp in semiintensive
aquaculture in rural North Vietnam. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and aquatic sciences,
14, 557-565pp
Pullin RSV, Shehadeh ZH (Eds) (1980) Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture Farming
Systems, ICLARM Conference Proceedings 4, International Center for Living
Aquatic Resource Management, Manilla (Philippines), 258 pp
Ramu K (2001) Worm cultures important role. Fish Farmer 15, 31
Rynk, Fornshell RG, Buyuksonmez F, Hess TF, Foltz J (1998a) Composting and
Vermiculture: alternative practices for managing manure and mortalities on
aquaculture farms. Aquaculture’98 World Aquaculure Association. World
Aquaculture Society Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada, 20-22 pp
Rynk, Grabenstien RK, Hess TF(1998b). Fish Manure as a potential feed stock for
vermicomposting. Aquaculture’98 World Aquaculure Association. World
Aquaculture Society Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada, 20-22 pp
Stafford EA, Tacon ACJ (1984a) Fish thrive on a diet of worms. Fish Farmer May, 18-19
Sujatha K, Mahalakshmi A, Shenbagarathai R (2003) Efeeect of Indigenous earthworms on
solid waste in:Deshmukh AM (Eds) Biotechnology in Agriculture Industry and
Environment Microbiology Society, Karad, pp 348-353
Yeo SE, Binkowski FP, Morris JE (2004) Aquaculture effluents and waste by products:
characteristics, potential recovery and beneficial reuse. Technical Bulletin 119, North
central Region Aquaculture Center, Ames, Iowa
Yeo SE, Binkowski FP (2010) Processing Aquaculture System Biosolids by Worm
Composting- Vermicomposting. NCRAC Technical Bulletin, North central Region
Aquaculture Center, Ames, Iowa
87
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Organic agricultural practices and food production sustainability
Rukhsar Parveen1, Ankita2, Anamika Rana3 and Manjusha Tyagi1*
1Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun 2Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun 3Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun
1*Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun
CorrespondenceAuthor- manjushatyagi2008@gmail.com
Keywords- Organic farming. crop, biofertilizer, organic manure
ABSTRACT
Organic farming today materialize as an important priority area globally in view of growing
demand for healthy and nutritious food and long term sustainability and also covers the
environmental pollution associated with indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. To achieve the
demands there are opportunities in selected crops and niche areas where organic production
can be encouraged to fix the domestic export market. Environmental degradation and
competition for resources integrate agricultural practices into international economy
threatening the sustainability of food production system. United Nations defined food
security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient,
safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs and healthy life. Delivering food security, one
must also reduce the environmental impact of food production. Use of organic manures,
natural nutrients or bio-fertilizers as a source of nutrients to enhance the crop productivity can
tremendously show the potential to grow crops organically and emerge as a major supplier of
organic products in world organic market.
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Vermicompost and its Impact on Growth of Green gram Seedlings
*1Sagarika Parida, 2Dushmanta Sabara
School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha,
India
Department of Botany, Adivasi College, Baliguda, Kandhamal, Odisha
*Corresponding author email ID: sagarika.parida@cutm.ac.in; parida.sagarika@gmail.com
Abstract
A study was conducted to evaluate the growth of green gram seedling in different proportion
of vermicompost and soil. Decomposition of different types of organic waste like garden
waste and kitchen slurry waste derived from the biogas plant was also studied. The result
reveals that vermicomposting of garden waste and recovered slurry of biogas plant based on
organic kitchen waste is a suitable technology for decomposition into a value added material
which enhances the crop growth. All the growth attributes was found to be maximum in
plants grown in the pot containing soil and vermicompost made from slurry of biogas plant in
ratio of 2:1 followed by soil: vermicompost 1: 1 and 3:1 than the vermicompost obtained
from garden waste as well as control pots containing only soil as medium. Highest plant
height of 28.63cm was recorded in plants from the pot with 2:1 soil: vermicompost (obtained
from slurry of biogas plant) ratio.
Keywords: Biogas slurry, earthworm, plant debris, plant growth, vermicompost
Introduction
Vermicompost is enriched with higher levels of major as well as minor nutrients in
available from like enzymes, vitamins and growth hormones to the plants. Productivity of
soil is getting reduced because of extensive use of chemical fertilizer and improper irrigation.
Therefore organic farming is given importance and it depends upon two objectives of
sustainability system and environmental sensitivity. Vermi-technology is the process of
conversion of biodegradable waste to nutrient rich vermin compost by using different species
of earthworm. A few earthworm species are suitable for vermin-composting out of 4,400
species with other soil organism [1]. Vermi-compost contains nitrates, phosphates, soluble
potassium, and magnesium and exchangeable phosphorus and calcium [2]. Data revealed that
vermin-compost stimulates plant growth even when the plants are subjected to optimal
89
nutrition. It was also reported that use of vermin-compost enhanced seed germination, growth
of the seedling, and productivity of plants. It was reported that by 10-40% vermicompost in
growing medium resulted in maximum benefit. Growth responses of plants from
vermicompost appeared more by hormone induced activity with association of high levels of
humic acid and humates present in vermicompost than available plant nutrients [3]. It was
also revealed that humic acids enhances nutrient uptake by the plants by increasing the
permeability of root cell membrane and increase in proliferation of root hairs [4]. Different
organic wastes from homes, parks, sewage sludge from municipal waste and other waste
organic products (Table 1) are used to produce vermicompost by earthworms [5, 6]. Data
showed that fly ash rich in nitrogen obtained from coal power plant can be composted by
earthworm [7].
Table 1: Organic wastes used for composting
Serial No. Organic wastes Types of organic wastes
1. Animal dung Cattle dung, sheep dung, pig dung, horse dung, poultry
droppings
2. Agricultural waste After harvesting plant remains and threshing of the produce
3. Forestry waste Saw dust, wood sawing, wood peels, pulp
4. City Leaf Litter mango, guava, oranges etc., from residential areas
5. Food Wastes Waste food including kitchen wastes
6. Other Wastes paper and cotton clothes
Vermicompost are proven miracle plant growth promoter and superior than
conventional compost and chemical fertilizer [6]. Keeping in view about the importance of
vermicompost in sustainable agriculture an effort has been made to study the effect of
vermicompost in relation to crop growth of Vigna radiata L.
Material and Methods
Experiments were conducted during this work were briefly enumerated in the
following headings.
Collection and Identification of Earthworm
Known earthworm species were collected from department of Zoology, Utkal
University and verified for its identification from Department of Nematology, OUAT,
Bhubaneswar (Table 2).
Table2. Earthworms species used for vermicomposting
Serial No. Species Origin Habitat of Earthworms species
1 Eisenia fetida Exotic sewage wastes, nearby kitchen waste
90
tanks
2 Eudrilus eugeniae. Exotic nearby kitchen waste tanks
3 Perionyx excavates Endemic compost, peat, and nearby sewage tanks
4 Lampito mauritii Endemic Garden soil, field etc.
Vermicomposting
Vermitechnology involves three components, (i) Vermiculture, (ii) Vermicomposting
and (iii) Utilisation of products like vermiprotein and vermifertiliser (Dash et al., 1985). As
per Dash and Dash (2009), the rearing of earthworm is performed in waste earthen pot with
soil and dry cow dung. Earthworm could be suitable cultured in 50×25×15 cm size wooden
box. Considering the total volume of the box, 1/4th is to be filled with soil, 1/4th with saw
dust or rice bran above the soil layer, 1/4th with dry cow dung above the saw dust and rest
1/4th to be left as empty space. To this vermibed, 100 adult worms could be inoculated.
Moisture of soil with a range from 40 to 50 percent and a temperature of around 20-25°C was
found to be very suitable. Weekly turning over and quarterly change of organic material was
done for continual growth.
Collection of Organic Waste
During this work, slurry from biogas plant was collected from KISS campus, where
kitchen waste was utilized for production of biogas. Leaves and other plant parts from the
garden were also collected from the institutional area of Kalinga Institute of Social
Sciences(KISS), Bhubaneswar, for vermicomposting. Organic waste and slurry from biogas
plant were added separately to the vermibeds for composting. After the compost is ready, the
compost was heaped in shade with sufficient light and then the earthworms will move to the
bottom of the heap and from the top of the heap compost was removed and undecomposed
residues were put again in the pit for further composting.
Raising of Green gram seedlings
Four earthen pots of similar sizes were taken and were filled with soil; soil and
compost; soil and vermicompost prepared from garden waste in different proportion; and soil
and vermicompost obtained from slurry of kitchen waste based biogas plant in different
proportion separately. Green gram seeds were sown on these pots and water was sprinkled
regularly for germination. The growth of the seedlings was measured at weekly regular
interval separately. The experiments were done in three replication for getting accurate result.
91
Results and Discussion
It was shown from the study that vermicompost enhanced seedling growth, average
leaf area, number of pods and grains per plant. The soil containing vermicompost in a ratio of
2: 1 was found to be better in comparision to soil applied with cow dung compost.
Table 3. Effects of Vermicompost in different proportion on growth of Vigna radiata L.
seedlings
Treatment Treatment
No.
Proprtion (soil:
Vermicompost)
Average Plant
height (cm)
Avg. Leaf
area index
No. of
pods/plant
No. of
grains/pod
Garden soil (Control) T1 Only soil 23.59 0.33 8.7 4.3
Garden soil + Cow dung
compost
T2 2:1 25.23 0. 41 10. 4 5.2
Garden soil +
vermicompost (obtained
from garden waste)
T3 2:1 26.89 0.43 12. 6 6.3
Garden soil +
vermicompost (obtained
from garden waste)
T4 3:1 25.76 0.43 12. 4 6.1
Garden soil +
vermicompost (obtained
from garden waste)
T5 1:1 25. 34 0.42 11. 2 5.8
Garden soil +
vermicompost (obtained
from slurry of biogas plant)
T6 2:1 28.63 0.45 13. 3 6.6
Garden soil +
vermicompost (obtained
from slurry of biogas plant
T7 3:1 27.37 0.44 12.7 6.4
Garden soil +
vermicompost (obtained
from slurry of biogas plant
T8 1:1 26.89 0.42 12. 5 6.1
(Fig. 1: Impact of vermicompost in growth of green Gram seedlings)
92
It was revealed from Table 3. that the growth of the plants was maximum in both the
soil containing vermicompost as well as vermicompost and cowdung compost. In this study
the plant growth attributes like height, number of root nodules per plant and number of grains
per plant, and seed yield of green gram was observed. All the growth attributes was found to
be maximum in plants grown in the pot containing soil and vermicompost made from slurry
of biogas plant in ratio of 2:1 followed by soil: vermicompost 1: 1 and 3:1 than the
vermicompost obtained from garden waste as well as control pots containing only soil as
medium. Highest plant height of 28.63cm was recorded in plants from the pot with 2:1 soil:
vermicompost (obtained from slurry of biogas plant) ratio. Least growth was recorded in
plants grown in pot containing only soil with 23.59cm. This study coincides with the study
reported by researchers that plant height and productivity is much more than the chemical
fertilizer and 10 to 40% vermicompost in the soil would be more beneficial in terms of
growth and productivity [8]. It was demonstration that the growth of ornamental plants after
the application of aqueous extracts from vermicompost showed enhanced growth in
ornamental plants [9, 10].
Conclusion
It was found from the above study, vermicomposts induces increase in height of the
plant , leaf area index, pods per plant and seeds per pod. The kitchen waste slurry from
biogas plant was proved to be better in inducing plant growth than the vermicompost
prepared from garden organic waste. The effect of vermicompost is not due to its only
mineral composition rather depend on its growth regulating component like growth hormones
and humic acids. Earthworm are the Ecosystem Engineer responsible for conversion of
negative economic and environmental value viz. the waste to highly nutritive organic
fertilizer which is known as brown gold and safe gold or green gold. This compost can
replace the agrochemicals and organic crops can be produced in large scale because of its
multiple benefits for sustainable agriculture.
Future Research Endeavors
The richness of earthworm fauna should be studied in Odisha and earthworm species
can be identified for effective conversation of organic waste into vermicompost. Earthworm
species is known to have tolerance capability to moisture content, and high temperature to be
identified for conversion of urban solid waste. The species that can withstand heavy metals
can also be identified to be used on organic waste from industries. Vermicompost
93
standardization has to be studied in relation with different biomass and animal waste to get
high nutrient rich compost.
References
[1] Verma, D., Bharti,S., Yadav, S., 2010. Earthworm resources in Gangetic plains of India
International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation 2: 134-139. Visvanathan, et al.
2005. Vermicomposting as an Eco-tool in Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Asian
Institute of Technology, Anna University, India.
[2] Edwards, C.A., J. Domínguez and N.Q. Arancon, 2004.The influence of vermicomposts
on plant growth and pest incidence.In Shakir, S.H. and W.Z.A. Mikhail (Eds.). Soil Zoology
for Sustainable Development in the 21st Century, Self- Publisher; Cairo, Egypt, pp: 397-420.
[3] Atiyeh, R.M., C.A. Lee Edward, N.Q. Arancon and J.D. Metzger, (2002). The influence of
humic acids derived from earthworm-processed organic wastes on plant growth; Bioresource.
Technology, 84:7-14.
[4] Pramanik, P., G.K. Ghosh, P.K. Ghosal and P. Banik, 2007. Changes in organic-C, N,
P and K and enzyme activities in vermicompost of biodegradable organic wastes under
liming and microbial inoculants. J. of Bioresource Technology, 98: 2485-2494.
[5] Kaviraj, Sharma, 2003. Municipal solid waste management through vermicomposting
employing exotic and local species of earthworms. J. of Bioresource Technology, 90: 169-
173.
[6] Sinha, Rajiv K., Sunil Herat, Gokul Bharambe, Swapnil Patil, P.D. Bapat, Kunal Chauhan
and Dalsukh Valani, 2009. Vermiculture Biotechnology: The Emerging Cost-effective and
Sustainable Technology of the 21st Century for Multiple Uses from Waste and Land
Management to Safe and Sustained Food Production, Environmental Research Journal,
NOVA Science Publishers, NY, USA, Invited Paper, Vol: 3 (2/3).
[7] Saxena, M., A. Chauhan and P. Asokan, 1998.Flyash Vemicompost from Nonfriendly
Organic Wastes. Pollution Research, 17 (1): 5-11.
[8] Arancon, N.Q., C.I. Edwards and P. Bierman, (2006). Influences of vermicomposts on
field strawberries-2: Effects on soil microbiological and chemical properties. Bioresource
Technology. 97: 831-840.
[9]Tomati, V., A. Grappelli and E. Galli, 1987.The Presence of Growth Regulators in
Earthworm-Worked Wastes. In Proceeding of International Symposium on ‘Earthworms’;
Italy; 31 March-5 April, 1985; pp: 423-436.
[10] Tomati, V., A. Grappelli and E. Galli, 1988.The Hormone like Effect of Earthworm
Casts on Plant Growth. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 5: 288-294.
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Socio- Economic Prospect of Eri silk worm and vermicomposting in
Western Odisha.
Sandhyarani Kuanr, Anchal College , Padampur, Sambalpur University, Odisha
ABSTRACT
Odisha state is situated in between 17°49' and 23° 34' N latitude and between 81° 23' to 87° 29'
E longitudes on the eastern coast of India. Major crops are paddy, wheat, maize, ragi and sugar
cane. Forest constitutes about 37 % of the total area and is rich in food plants. Initially Eri
culture started 50 years ago in Puri, Cuttack, and Ganjam, later extended to tribal districts of
Sundargarh, Phulbani and Koraput. However the entire western odisha has the requisites for
silk production and can be a better place for its production. This part of Odisha consists of 10
districts Bolangir, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Sonpur. These area needs
very little technical knowledge and input. The primary food for Eri silkworm (Samia ricini) is
caster leaves (Ricinus Communis). Caster plants can be easily propagated in arid soil and rains
fed areas and are available plenty. The people living below poverty line, unemployed youth
and women can earn and supplement their livelihood through Eri culture, which will improve
their economic condition and life style be generating additional income for the family. Growth
of Eri culture IX plan period (1997-2002) 223 farmers reared 1.182 lakh of dfls and Produced
4.185 MT of cocoon from which 2.376MT of spun silk was obtained. During Xth plan period
(2002-07) Eri plantation area went up to 921 acres covering 1090 beneficiaries. During this
period a total of 1.4702 lakh dfls were reared and 8.169 MT of cocoons production from which
5.660 MT of spun silk was obtained. It provides gainful employment for the tribal’s,
economically weakers sections and unemployed persons ensuring a sure sort return with less
capital investments. Vermicomposting process indicates that it increases macrospore space
ranging from 50 to 500 μm, resulting in improved air-water relationship in the soil which
favorably affects plant growth. The application of organic matter including vermicompost
favorably affects soil pH, microbial population and soil enzyme activities. It also reduces the
proportion of water-soluble chemical species, which cause possible environmental
contamination. By using these method farmers improves their socio economic status of
adopting both plantation of the food plants and Eri culture in large scale.
Key words- Caster, Eri, Vermicomposting, microbial population, soil enzyme.
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Effect of metallic ions, pH, moisture content of host plant leaves on silk
formation in tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury: A review
Sasmita Panda*, Prasanta Kumar Kar1 and Pramod Kumar Satapathy2
*Department of Chemistry, K.K.S. Women’s College, Balasore, 1Regional Sericultural Research Station, central Silk Board, Baripada, 757001,
2Department of Chemistry, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada, 757001
Email: sushmita.panda@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Sericulture is the term associated with silk industry which involves rearing of
silkworm using advanced scientific and technological knowledge to enhance silk
productivity. Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury is one of the important Vanya
silkworms thatproduces commercially important silk. This silkworm is polyphagous in
nature, inhabits in Sal forests and also reared on its primary host plantsviz.Terminalia
tomentosa (Asan) and T. arjuna (Arjun). Leaf nutrients have direct bearing on the quality as
well as quantity of silk. Tasar silkworm converts concentrated fibroin and sericin solutions to
insoluble silk fiber and adhesive gum respectively, through silk ducts instantly before the silk
is drawn down into filament.Silk fibers possess dramatic mechanical properties and are partly
dependent on the crystalline β-sheet silk conformation under shear or rapid elongation flow.
The protein conformation to β-sheet is dependent on several factors such as concentration of
metal ions in the soil and host plant leaves (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Zn2+), pH of the soil besides
the moisture content in the soil aswell as leaves. In this paper we present adetailed review on
the impact of metallic ion, pH and moisture content of host plant leaves in relation to silk
production and productivityof tasar silkworm.
Key words:Antheraea mylitta, host plant, metallic ions, moisture content, tasar silkworm,
soil
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Vermicomposting : An alternative to organic biowaste disposal techniques
Dr Satya Narayan Sahoo, Head, Department of Zoology, Niali College, Niali,
Cuttack-754001
Abstract
Growth in population , urbanization and industrialization result in intensification of
agriculture and food production. These are the factors which results in considerably increase
to solid waste generation in recent times. Studies reveal that, over one billion tones of solid
wastes are generated annually and are ending up unscientifically in the environment,
producing social, economic, and environmental costs. For the disposal of burgeoning solid
waste, two techniques such as land filling and incineration are used. Researchers across the
world are searching for new, innovative, and eco-friendly technologies for waste
management. Biological methods are more suitable for waste treatment than any other
methods .This method recycle the various constituents of waste into valuable end products,
less or no side effects and can be cost-effective. But Non-toxic fraction of the solid wastes
can be used as feedstock for various biological processes to recover or produce value-added
products from solid wastes. Such biological processes include biomethanation, composting
and vermicomposting. Among these, vermicomposting has been reported as a practicable,
economical and swift technique for proficient management of the solid wastes by the farmers.
Worm compost (also known as vermicompost, from “vermis”, the Latin for “worm”) is an
especially high-grade and nutrient-rich fertiliser. This black substrate is what remains of
organic matter after being broken down by micro-organisms, and especially by worms. The
term vermicomposting means the use of earthworms for composting organic residues. In this
process microbes assist earthworms in waste degradation and the earthworms convert
compostable fraction of the solid wastes into stabilized, finely divided peat-like material
called vermicompost. that can be used as manure in agricultural fields to improve soil health.
Compared to the usual compost, vermicomposting product has higher contents of plant-
available nutrients and much more diverse agricultural and aquacultural probiotics .
Furthermore, vermicomposting also helps to achieve a circular bioeconomy by converting
waste into useful products that are necessary for the overall sustainable development of a
country. Different waste residues like animal excreta, agricultural residues, domestic waste,
sewage sludge, industrial wastes etc. have been used as earthworm feedstock in various
97
research trials. Earthworms can consume practically all kinds of organic matter .The excreta
(castings) of the worms are rich in nitrate, available forms of P, K, Ca and Mg. The passage
of soil through earthworms promotes the growth of bacteria and actinomycetes.
Actinomycetes thrive in the presence of worms .Studies revels that content in worm casts is
more than six times that in the original soil Vermicompost production using epigeic compost
worms such as Eisenia foetida, Lumbricus rubellus and Eudrilus eugeniae can be enhanced
effectively by supplementing the organic wastes used for vermicomposting with cow urine .
Undiluted urine can be used for moistening organic wastes during the preliminary
composting period (before the addition of worms.). After the initiation of worm activity,
urine can be diluted with an equal quantity of water. No problems have been observed with
daily use of diluted cow urine for moistening the vermicomposting bed. This simple
technique can yield vermicompost with a higher N content. Moreover, worms have been
found to become very active and vermicompost can be harvested at least 10 days early. Solid
wastes, vermicomposting process, various feed stocks, vermicompost quality etc. have been
given emphasize in detail during the study.
(Key words: Organic wastes,vermicomposting,Wastemanagement)
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Vermicompost as fish feed and fish manure
Smruti Snigdha Panda, Jr. Lecturer – Inland Fishery, GVHSS ,Rasalapur, Balasore
Abstract
Indian fishery is increasingly contributing to the nutritional security of the country, with the
present production of fish and shell fish from capture fisheries and aquaculture being around
eight million tons. The country also has an important role in global fisheries as the second
largest production of fish in the world.
Natural productivity of fish culture depends largely on the availability of the natural food
organisms on the favorable environmental condition and on the optimum doses of fertilizers.
In India additional production can only be achieved through successful manipulation of
available resources that influence productivity of various aquaculture systems. The purpose
of pond manuring is primarily to provide adequate amount of nutrients for phytoplankton
production (Jhingran-1997). Nitrogen , phosphorous and potassium are major nutrients
required by phytoplankton inorganic fertilizer can be applied to provide these nutrients cow
dung is the most widely used organic manure in many areas . The appropriate doses give the
fish pond good production. However the indiscriminant use of the manures in fish pond may
cause to pollution. Therefore always know the standard doses of those manures which would
keep the physiochemical parameters of pond water in favorable range required for survival
growth of fishes.
Applied vermicompost as manure in fish farming pond it contains all the major nutrients. It
keeps the parameters favorable ranges as well as maximizing the production of Indian carps.
it suppress the growth of the pathogenic microorganisms . Vermicompost is safe than cow
dung in terms of toxicity to the pond. It also used as artificial fish feed. Preparation of fish
feed using vermitechnology . Organic pisciculture system which avoids organic waste
,feasibility study should be made on consortium of earthworm for effective and uniform
vermicomposting in different season throughout the year.
Organic manures if not decomposed completely before applying in aquaculture, may
deteriorate the water quality as they utilize oxygen during decomposition among the
99
decomposed manure. Vermicompost is rich in all types of major and minor nutrients,
vitamins, enzymes, antibiotics and growth promoters.
Introduction:-
Indian fishery is increasingly contributing to the nutritional security of the country, with the
present production of fish and shell fish from capture fisheries and aquaculture being around
eight million tons. The country also has an important role in global fisheries as the second
largest production of fish in the world. The freshwater finfish have very high potential as
protein food and are among the increasing number of aquatic animals that have been coming
to the as candidate species for aqua culture (Jhingran - 1997). The protein obtained from fish
is palatable easily digestible and suitable for all human age group.Natural productivity of fish
culture depends largely on the availability of the natural food organisms on the favorable
environmental condition and on the optimum doses of fertilizers. In India additional
production can only be achieved through successful manipulation of available resources that
influence productivity of various aquaculture systems.
Vermicompost as Manure in Fish pond:-
The purpose of pond manuring is primarily to provide adequate amount of nutrients for
phytoplankton production (Jhingran-1997). Wide verity of organic manures such as grass,
leaf , sewage water have been used to improve fish production , although organic fertilizers
can be utilized as food for invertebrate fish food organisms and fish. They primarily release
inorganic nutrients for phytoplankton and zooplankton growth.Nitrogen , phosphorous and
potassium are major nutrients required by phytoplankton inorganic fertilizer can be applied to
provide these nutrients cow dung is the most widely used organic manure in many areas . The
appropriate doses give the fish pond good production. However the indiscriminant use of the
manures in fish pond may cause to pollution. Therefore always know the standard doses of
those manures which would keep the physiochemical parameters of pond water in favorable
range required for survival growth of fishes.Appliedvermicompost as manure in fish farming
pond it contains all the major nutrients. It keeps the parameters favorable ranges as well as
maximizing the production of Indian carps. it suppress the growth of the pathogenic
microorganisms . Vermicompost is safe than cow dung in terms of toxicity to the pond.
The most commonly used eartworm species in vermicompost are Eisenaifeotida and E.Andrei
(Dominguez and Edwards 2010)
Vermicompost as fish feed:-
100
It also used as artificial fish feed. The production of fish in ponds may be increased greately
supplementing the natural food, with some artificial food. Vermicomost is naturally devoured
by fish and contains high amount of bacterial mass , which is a good source of protein and the
rest material gets dissolved in water and serves as nutrient for water body (Chakrabarty et al
2007).
Vermiwash can serve as excellent direct application feed for juvenile fish .The juvenile fish
are able to take very small food particles present in vermiwash. The common food particles
like plankton feed or market available feed pallet are much higher size for juvenile fish
.Vermiwash contains major and micro nutrients along with cocoons ,small worms ,debris of
body parts mainly in edible forms .
Organic pisciculture system which avoids organic waste,feasibility study should be made on
consortium of earthworm for effective and uniform vermicomposting in different season
throughout the year.
Conclusion:-
Organic manures if not decomposed completely before applying in aquaculture, may
deteriorate the water quality as they utilize oxygen during decomposition among the
decomposed manure. Whereas Vermicompost is rich in all types of major and minor
nutrients, vitamins, enzymes, antibiotics and growth promoters. So It has the potential to act
as an economic incentive to improve manure management depending on the amount of
manure in urban centers with a high prevalence of animals. It can also be applied for
treatment of sewage. Because of its biological and economic attributes several published
studies have reviewed the potential of red earthworms as a replacement for fishmeal. Red
earthworm meal can efficiently and sustainably replace a number of conventional animal and
plant protein sources, while supporting fish growth. More research is needed to achieve the
commercial production of red earthworm meal to formulate low cost practical and
environmental friendly nutritional feeds for sustainable farming of various species.
Reference:
✓ Handbook of Fisheries And Aquaculture , by ICAR
✓ Fundamental of Ecology , by M C Dash
✓ International Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture
✓ A Textbook of Fishery Science, CBL Srivastava ,
✓ Fishing chimes journal
101
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Organic Farming and Microbial Diversity
Sujata Mahapatra, Associate Professor in Botany, Rama Devi Women’s
University, Bhubaneswar.Email :sujatamahapatra62@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Organic farms are natural agro-ecosystems. Productivity of these ecosystems is dependent on
different types of interactions, resource management and soil dynamics of a specified area. In
addition to the above parameters adaptabilty of species and their genetic diversity is
important for sustainability of these systems. Organic farms are exposed to large variations in
climatic and soil conditions over time. Each organic farm is under a specific microclimate
and its productivity Is controlled by this. In this type of farm soil conditions are stable and
enriched with soil microbiota as there is no application ofagrochemicals.
Soil environment is complex and there are several types of interactions of microbes.
Soil structure of conventional agro- ecosystem and organic farms display different microbial
profiles. Application of different agro-chemicals destroys the soil health and reduces the soil
nutrients. So mostly oligotrophic microbes grow in these soils. Soil in organic farms has
microbes, mostly fungi which degrade organic compounds in biofertilizers. Microbial
composition of soil is very significant for nutrient mobilization and its subsequent uptake. It
is one of the factors which regulates productivity in agro-ecosystems.
Key words: organic farming, soil microbiota, productivity.
Introduction
Hunger and food shortage due to rising population is a big problem
In developing and under developed countries. Due to this, agriculture sector is under
tremendous pressure. Low- input agriculture or organic farming has long term benefits for
environment and all organisms including human beings. Synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and
geneticallymodified organisms are not a part of organic farming. This system of cultivation
uses bio-fertilizers and biocontrol agents like predator microbes.Thus 100% organic farm
produce is free from residues ofsynthetic agrochemicals.
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Soil and microbiome
Physical properties, Chemical properties and composition of soil is decided by the parent
rock, process of soil formation and its interaction with different biotic and abiotic factors.
Top two horizonsof the soil which may includerhizosphere is rich in organic matter
andprovides habitat for a diverse group of microbes. Mycorrhizae, endophytic fungi,
actinomycetes and bacteria associated with nitrogen cycle are microbial groups associated
with soil. Many of these organismsbreakdown complex organic and inorganic matters and
play significantrole in mineralization and nutrient uptake by plants.
Lupatiniet.al(2017) reported theeffect of organic farming on microbial community structure
and microbialDiversity. Increased heterogeneity of soil microbes is observed instudies by
many workers. Soil in organic farms is rich in organic carbon
and nitrogen. This promotes the growth of oligo-heterotrophic microbes which degrade
organic carbon compounds. However increased microbial biomass and their activity is linked
to amount
and composition of applied biofertilizer(Birkhoferet.al 2008).
Some methods used study of soil microbial diversity
In addition to preliminary methods like study of colony characteristics
molecular methods mentioned below can be used to study diversity
of soil microbes.
1. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
2. Temperature gradient gel electrophoresis
3. Stable isotope probing
4. Terminal restriction length polymorphism
5. RAPD
6. FISH
7. 16 S r RNA sequencing
8. Nucleic acid hybridization
9. DNA Finger printing
Conclusion
The study of microbial taxonomy in organic farm soil is important for management and
improvements of these agro-ecosystems. Limitation lies in the wide variations of
103
management practices in different farms. Each farm is governed by its own microclimate and
has its own identity. So studying microbial diversity in these farm is a huge task.
Nevertheless,it is required to understand changing microbiomes and detect soil contamination
over long periods of organic farming.
Reference:
1.Manoeli Lupatini, Gerard W. Korthals, Mattias de Hollander, Thierry K. S.
Janssens and Eiko E. KuramaeSoil Microbiome Is More Heterogeneous in Organic
Than in Conventional Farming System.Front. Microbiol., 04 January 2017
|https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.02064
2.Birkhofer K, Bezemer TM, Bloem J, Bonkowski M, Christensen Sr, Dubois D, et al.
Long-term organic farming fosters below and aboveground biota: implications for soil
quality, biological control and productivity. Soil Biol Biochem. 2008;40:2297–2308.
[Google Scholar]
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Conversion of Inorganic Wastes (Fly Ash) into Organic Manure for
Sustainable Crop Production by Using Vermitechnology
SunitaSatapathy
Departmnt of Zoology, Centurion University of Technology and Management,
Odisha, India
Sunita.mishra@cutm.ac.in
ABSTRACT
Industrial wastes release to atmosphere critically cause serious environmental issues and
health hazards. Fly Ash (FA) is an industrial by-product considered as a global pollutant due
to its hazardous nature. FA is generated from the combustion of pulverized coal in the
thermal power plants to full fill the demand of electricity for the modern scenario. Likewise
industrial waste FA is produced in large quantities approximately 180mt from power
generated plants in India and near about 25 mt of FA generated from different power plants
of Odisha.This present investigationis focused on the bio technique process
vermicompostingby the action of Eudrillus eugeniae for safe utilization of fly ash.FA is being
used in different sectorsfor recycling but vermitechnology is also a promising technology
used to convert heavy metals of it into organic manure by implementing biological method.
The present work has been carried out in the Department of Zoology, Centurion University of
Technology & Management. The experimental setup for vermicomposting is designed by
taking various proportion of FA such as 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%,and 100% along with soil and
cowdung for precomposting and treated with introducing Earthworm (EW)Eudrillus
eugeniae. Regular monitoring of sprinkling water and nourishing with slurry to each
proportionis conducted for maintaining proper nutrition for the species to enhanceits
biological activity. The biological activity of EW is observed and recorded with respect to its
survivability, growth of EW, population rate and production of end product vermicasts as a
metabolic indicator. The physico-chemical parameters (Electro-conductivity, moisture
content, temperature and pH) of precomposting and vermicomposting mixture are measured.
The treated 40% container has shown more favourable result for production of vermicasts as
organic manure compared to others whereas 20% and 60% also produced an approximate
result with 40%.The completion of vermicomposting for the current study upto obtained
vermicasts is within 80-90 days and the sustainable crop production practices with
biochemical analysis to be carried out in future studies.
Keywords:Fly Ash (FA),Eudrilus eugeniae,Vermicomposting,Vermicasts,
Earthworm(EW),Organic manure.
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APPLICATION OF VERMITECHNOLOGY IN AQUACULTURE
*Suprava Bisoyi
ABSTRACT
Organic aquaculture is a production system which avoids the use of synthetic
fertilizers,pesticides, growth regulators and feed additives encouraging the concept of natural
farming. The high product cost of synthetic materials needed for aquaculture discourages the
farmer especially small farmers and rural communities which lead to the concept of
composite organic farming which is cheaper and high yielding. Vermitechnology enhance the
utilisation of earthworm as live fish food, bait and fishmeal supplement. Vermiproducts like
vermiwash, cocoon etc. contain essential amino acids which is very nutritious for the
developing fish. So, the application of vermitechnology is required for the development of
organic aquaculture.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
INTEGRATED VERMICULTURE AND AQUACULTURE IN FARMING
• Vermicompost as feed and fertiliser.
• Use of artificial fish feed.
• Preparation of fishfeed using vermitechnology.
• Earthworm management in vermicomposting.
CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCE
Introduction
The protein obtained from fish is palatable, easily digestible and suitable for human of all age
groups.Among all fishes the fresh water finfish is most preferred for high protein content.
The return from aquaculture is 2 to 5 times higher than traditional agriculture.In aquaculture
70% of the investment includes the cost of feed and fertiliser.So to make aquaculture more
economical for the small farmers and rural communities finding alternative cheap sources for
feed and fertiliser is necessary. The most vital challenge of the day is to produce more food
106
with least utilisation of energy and resources along with energy conservation and pollution
control measures.This leads to development of integrated farming systems.
Land spreading is the common treatment followed for solid waste treatment leading to
contamination of soil, vegetation , ground and surface water along with scarcity of land for
this treatment.Vermicomposting is a development of Biotechnology used for solid waste
treatment nowadays.Vermicomposting is the process of harnessing of earthworms for the
stabilisation of a variety of organic wastes and is an important aspect of Earthworm
Biotechnology at present.(Ghosh 2004,Singh 2004).Earthworms are excellent bioreactors for
waste recycling. Vermicomposting is particularly useful for the management of waste from
agriculture, city garbage, livestock, sewage and organic waste etc.
Integrated Vermiculture and Aquaculture farming
A composite agriculture-aquaculture-vermiculture farm can be entirely synergistic.The
aquatic body where aqua farming is practised can be a part receptacle of animal excreta both
solid and liquid,silkworm pupae, earthworm remains and human food grain productswhich
can form fish feed of first rate quality.The water of the reservoir can be used for irrigationof
crop planted in the embankment of the reservoir and reused for aquaculture.
A vermiculture-sericulture-carnivorous fish culture is an important approach.in small ditches
where Clarius (magur) and Heteropneus(Singhi)were fed with earthworms and silkworm
pupae didn’t take cannibalism even in highstocking density(Chakrabarty 2009)
The biomass generated as a byproduct of vermicomposting has been found to be a good
source of protein for fish.(Tacon et al 1988, Joshi and Aga 2009). In fish culture industries
attempts are made to replace the costly fish meal which is normally incorporated in diets by
alternative cheaper sources of protein .In Japan the demand for processed earthworms as feed
for eel fry is 180000 tonnes per year.
Although in aquaculture various organic sources have been utilized,utilization of domestic
and organic wastes is limited. The waste from animal husbandry and other domestic wastes
are misplaced resources causing pollution.Raw waste animal dung when directly applied to
water bodies increases BOD (Charabarty et al 2007) and also increases risk of pathogen
transmission vermicompost is free from such side effects.If recent developments in India are
any indication earthworm will soon be used on an industrial scale for solid waste
management and other pollution control mechanism(Senapati and Das 1983 Naddafi et
al2004,Daniel 2007 ).
107
Vermicompost as feed and fertiliser
Organic manuring is widely practised in fish farming ponds for high yield as well as to
reduce expenditure on costly feeds and fertilizers. Chakrabartyet al (2007) sucessfuly applied
vermicompost as direct application as organic manure in fish farming ponds. Vermicompost
can be utilised as food for invertebrate fish food organisms as well as for direct consumption
of fishes. They intended to release inorganic nutrients in water bodies for phyto and zoo
plankton growth. Sujatha et al (2003) found that earthworm casts 2-5times more organic
matter, total nitrogen and exchangeable cations than soil which improves sediment
qualitySo,vermicompost not only supply nutrients but also increases the physico chemical
properties of water as well as the qualities of sediment base.Several methods have been
developed to convert these agrobio wastes into organic manure to replace costly and
hazardous chemical fertilizer.Vermicompost preparation is the best method for converting
agrobio waste into effective manure.The expected productivity of the water body may be
increased manifold by using vermicompost as it improves desirable
nutrients,vitamin,minerals etc.required for the production of aquatic biota and serve either
directly or indirectly through involved ecosystem as food for fishes.The leftover
vermicompost which is not used as food turns into manure.The phytoplanktons play the
important keylink in the food chain of fishes.The goal of fertilisation ought to be to direct all
primary,secondary and tertiary levels of productivity towards maximum yield of
fish(Jhingran 1997)
Use of artificial fish food
Synthetic fish food are species specific but a polyculture system implies common feed for all
species cultured together in the same water body. When artificial food is supposed to
supplement the natural food in a polyculture system the natural food and supplementary food
should complement each other,the latter meeting the deficiency of the former.The other
sources of nutrition which the artificial food has to supplement and complement are a result
of pond manuring and fertilisation which promote generation of natural fish food organisms
such as phytoplankton,zooplankton and other biota as well as detritus(Jhingran 1997)
Vermicompost is naturally devoured by fish and contains high amount of bacterial mass
which is a good source of protein and the rest material gets dissolved in water and serve as
nutrient for waterbody(Chakrabarty et al 2007)and promotes phytoplankton
growth.Sovermicompost could serve as artificial feed and fertiliser.
108
There should be an arrangement for feeding the juvenile fish; if small and large fish are
reared together in an aquatic body.Vermiwash can be used as an excellent direct application
feed for juvenile fish in such case (Chakrabarty et al 2009)
Chakrabarty et al 2009 showed that the growth and survival rate of fish is significantly higher
in vermiwash applied aquariums possibly due to the presence of several
micronutrients,metabolites,vitamins and also some free amino acids in
vermiwash(Kale1998;Ping and Boland 2004)The juvenile fish are able to take very small
food particles present in vermiwash.The common food particles like live plankton feed or
market available food pellet are much higher in size than the food particles a juvenile fish can
devour.Vermiwash contains major and micronutrients along with cocoons, small
worms,debris of body parts mainly in edible forms.Vermiwash is reported to contain growth
hormones,vitamins and antibiotics(Lee 1985;Ismail1997)which are beneficial for the growth
of the fish.This has also been shown that probably these substances has helped the fishes to
remain disease free in a laboratory experiment by Chakrabarty et al 2009a.
Preparation of fish feed using vermitechnology
Organic pisciculture is a productive system,which avoids or largely excludes use of synthetic
fertilisers , pesticides growth regulators and feed additives.To the maximum extend feasible
organic pisciculture systems rely upon animal manures,vermicompost and
vermiproducts,green manures,off farm organic waste,mineral bearing rocks etc.
However there is urgent need to enhance the culture of earthworm since its utilisation as live
fish food, bait and fishmeal supplements(Chakrabarty et al 2009).earthworms are prohibited
as fish feed as they contain many essential amino acids along with haemoglobin in their
blood serum which provide the required iron to the developing fish. Adult
earthworms,cocoons and vermiwash can serve the purpose of fish feed in different ways.The
possible association of some N fixing bacteria with vermicompost provides necessary protein
for carnivorous as well as bottom grazing species of fishes.However changing the substrate
composition of various types of vermicompost may be useful as direct application feed for
different fishes.
Earthworm management in vermicomposting
Earthworm exhibit wide diversity in their biology,behaviour patterns,food
habits,environmental requirements etc. So the underlying science of earthworm is required to
apply vermitechnology efficiently.
109
Hence vermitechnology the century old practice is now being revived
worldwide.Wastemanagement ,sustainable organic agriculture and aquaculture(Sinha et al
2002;Chakrabarty et al 2007;Chakrabarty 2009).Earthworms have high tendency to
bioaccumulate toxic organic residues(like pesticides,herbicides and antibiotics)and heavy
metals like cadmium,Nickel,Lead and Zinc into their tissue.(Ramu 2001)These toxicants can
biomagnify their effects through use of vermicompost. To avoid the bioaccumulation hazard,
proper substrate should be used during vermiculture.Vermocompost of varying quality for
satisfying required need may be produced using variable substrate.
The 3 species of earthworm which have been studied intensively for vermicomposting are
Eisiniafoetida;Perionyxexcavatesand;Eudriluseugeniae. In comparison to the other 2 species
E.foetida has a more rapid rate of growth and reproduction(Chakrabarty et al 2009)a wider
range of temperature tolerance, is found in the manmade environment and plays a remarkable
role in the decomposition of compost and dump.Sometimes two three different species of
earthworms are simultaneously used for better results.Many factories eg.paper ,wool and
food industries in Japan reportedly utilise this lumbricid worm as a decomposer of organic
waste .Feasibility studies should be made on consortium of earthworms for effective and
uniform vermicomposting in different seasons throughout the year as well as for
optimumutilization of resources.
Conclusions
In organic aquaculture systems vermicomposting provides the use of a holistic farming
system which is an autonomous organic agro ecosystem based on partnership with
nature(Gupta et al 2007)For improving environment huge quantities of domestic agricultural
and rural industrial wastes can be recycled,which is an urgent need of the day.At global level
the concept of food quality has changed during the recent yearsThere is an increased
awareness for accepting organically produced food among all sections of people. Worldwide
there is an escalating awareness about sustainable agricultural and aquacultural practices in
view of energy shortage,food safety and environmental concerns arising out of chemical
farming.
Naturally the organically produced fish will have high demand among all sections of
consumers. Much emphasis has been laid on intensive agriculture and sustainable practices
because indiscriminate use of fertilisers and pesticides have led to the deteoration of soil
health, contamination of air,water and food.It is an alarming issue at global level.Therefore
attention has to be given to organically managed system of aquaculture for achievement of
harmful chemical free and safe food for human consumption.
110
References
ChakrabartyD(2009)Vermicompost and Organic Pisciculture
Chakrabarty Das MK Das SK(2009a) Vermiwash:The balanced diet for juvenile fish
GhoshC(2004)integrated Vermi-Pisciculture-an alternative option for recycling of solid
municipal waste in rural India
Lee KE(1985) Earthworms- their relationships and ecology with soils and land
Singh DP(2004) Vermiculture biotechnology and biocomposting
TaconAGJ(1987)The nutrition and feeding of farmed fishes and shrimps
111
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AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
VERMI COMPOSTING AND ORGANIC FARMING
*Umakanta Sethy
*Asst Prof in Zoology, Ravenshaw HSS, Cuttack
Abstract:
Soil invertebrates like earthworms, along with soil micro organisms, degrade organic
waste materials and thus maintain the nutrient flux in the system. The degradation of organic
waste by earthworm consumption is known as Vermi composting. The activities of
earthworms that have most influence on soil structure are ingestion of soil partial breakdown
of organic matter and egestion of this material as well as burrowing through the soil and
bringing sub soil to the surface. It is certain that earthworms have beneficial effects on soils
and many workers have attempted to demonstrate that these effects cause increased yields of
crops. Clearly earthworms influence the drainage of water from the soil and the moisture
holding capacity of soil, both of which are important factors for growing crops. The
importance of earthworms has been realized since the work of Darwin during the Late 19th
Century. Evidence from a wide spectrum of studies has confirmed his observations on the
stupendous role of earthworms in the formation, development and maintenance of soil quality
for the healthy growth of vegetation and microflora.
112
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AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
ROLE OF E- COMMERCE IN AGRIBUSINESS IN INDIA
Dr. Brundaban Sahu. Assistant Professor of Commerce.
N.C. Auto.College, Jajpur.
Mail Id- mrbrundaban.sahu@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Agriculture was identified as one of the great promises of e-commerce due to
the high level of fragmentation present in the supply chain, large volumes
traded, and homogeneous products only reinforced the expectations. Internet
technology has provided the possibility for cost reduction and demand
enhancement along the food supply chain through the use of e-commerce. This
paper encapsulates the status of Information Technology and Agriculture in
India, e-business platform for Indian Agriculture market and challenges as well
as strategies in adoption of e-commerce in agribusiness sector in India. The
present study starts with a pitching to ecommerce and agriculture along with
general framework for e-commerce adoption followed by different business
models supporting e-commerce adoption. But e-commerce is still relatively
primitive, but today more and more companies want to publish on the Internet
itself, as this is essential to remain competitive.
Key Words: E-Agribusiness, Agriculture, e-business, e-marketing and Supply- Chain
113
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
VERMICOMPOST BUSINESSFOR ATMANIRVAR BHARAT
Dr. Bipranarayan Mallick, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Principal, Model Degree College, Rayagada, Odisha-765017
E-mail: -bipranarayanmallick01@gmail.com
Definition of Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is a process in which the earthworms convert the organic waste into
manure which is rich in nutritional content. It is the scientific method of making compost, by
using earthworms those are commonly found living in soil, feeding on biomass and excreting
it in a digested form which are very important to the health of the soil.
Vermicompost is the end-product of the process of composting, using various worms, usually
red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, containing water-soluble nutrients.
Vermicompost is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner containing
high amounts of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. While there are
nutrients in worm castings, the real benefit to worm castings are the millions of beneficial
microbes that they contain who eat organic matter in the soil and release available plant
nutrients. Fungi in the castings form symbiotic relationships to transport water and nutrients
to the roots. They can also hold water in the soil and help with water management. Worm
castings have at least 10 times more microbes than soil or regular compost. Several
researchers have demonstrated that earthworm castings have excellent aeration, porosity,
structure, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity. The content of the earthworm castings,
along with the natural tillage by the worms burrowing action, enhances the permeability of
water in the soil. Worm castings can hold close to nine times their weight in wate
Methodology of Vermicomposting
A.Tools and Equipment Required
Gardening gloves
Strainer/Sifter
114
Spading fork
Shovel
Mechanical shredder (optional)
Bicycle-powered sorter (optional)
B. Raw materials/ Packaging Materials
1.Vermi :- There are different species of earthworms viz. Eisenia Foetida (Red earthworm),
Eudrilus Eugenia (Nightcrawler), Perionyx Excavatus, etc.
2.Any types of biodegradable wastes-, Crop residues, Weed biomass, Vegetable waste, Leaf
waste, Hotel refuse, Waste from agro-industries, Biodegradable portion of urban and rural
wastesood wastes, fruit/vegetable trimmings and peelings, dry leaves and stems, animal
manure
3.Earthworm bed (Dimension: 2x1x0.4m)
4.Plastic garbage bags
5.Plastic sacks (50-kg. capacity)
Manufacturing Process of Vermicompost Organic Fertilizer
The first step is to construct a tank preferably with cement in a vacant space in your backyard
or farm. You can also create a simple pit.
•The biodegradable materials such as food wastes, fruit/vegetable trimmings, and dry leaves
and stems are collected
•The food wastes, fruit/vegetable trimmings, peelings, and dry leaves and stems are grinded.
•Mix old animal manure and chicken droppings (month old) with grinded vegetable waste.
This will improve the nutrient content of the finish product.
•It is allowed for partial decomposition for 10 to 15 days. It will help you in achieving a
better activity of earthworms.
115
•Beds of a partially decomposed material of size 6x2x2 feet should be made.
•Partially decomposed agro-waste material is then arranged in layers at the vermicompost
bed.
•6” layer of partially biodegradable agro-waste at the bottom of the be is prepared.
•Apply 1” layer of cow dung slurry on it to further decomposing of the agro-waste for 15 to
20 days.
•After partial decomposition, 4” layer of Farm Yard Manure is covered with cow dung slurry.
•Red earthworm are invested on the upper layer of the bed.
•Water should be sprinkled with can immediately after the release of worms.
•Beds should be kept moist by a sprinkling of water (daily) and by covering with gunny
bags/polythene.
The bed should be turned once after 30 days for maintaining aeration and for proper
decomposition. 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.
NutrientValues of Vermicompost
The nutrients content in vermicompost vary depending on the waste materials that is being
used for compost preparation. The common available nutrients in vermicompost is as follows
Organic carbon: 9.5 – 17.98%
Nitrogen: 0.5 – 1.50%
Phosphorous: 0.1 – 0.30%
Potassium: 0.15 – 0.56%
Sodium: 0.06 – 0.30%
Calcium and Magnesium: 22.67 to 47.60 meq/100g
Copper :2 – 9.50 mg kg-1
Iron: 2 – 9.30 mg kg-1
Zinc: 5.70 – 11.50 mg kg-1
Sulphur: 128 – 548 mg kg-1
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Storing and Packaging of Vermicompost
The vermicompost should be stored in dark, cool placehaving minimum 30% moisture. It will
lead to loss of moisture and nutrient content. It is advised that the harvested compost material
is openly stored rather than packed in over sac. If it is stored in open place, periodical
sprinkling of water may be done to maintain moisture level and also to maintain beneficial
microbial population. If the necessity comes to store the material, laminated over sac is used
for packing. Vermicompost can be stored for one year without loss of its quality, if the
moisture is maintained at 40% level.
Advantages of vermicompost
1. Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients providing excellent effect on
plant growth, encourages the growth of newshoots / leaves and improves the quality
and shelf life of the produce.
2. Vermicompost is free flowing, easy to apply, handle and store and does not have bad
odour.
3. It improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and water holding capacity and prevents
soil erosion. As it contains earthworm cocoons ; increases the population andactivity
of earthworm in the soil.
4. It neutralizes the soil protection and prevents nutrient losses and increases the use
efficiency of chemical fertilizers.
5. Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements, weed seeds etc. and minimizes
the incidence of pest and diseases.
6. It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.
Market Demands of Vermicomposting: - A step towards
Atmanirvar Bharat
As consumers today are inclined towards clean labels and seeking transparency in everything
they consume, organic has emerged as a promising approach to address these concerns.
Organic farming, composed of organic fertilizers as an integral virtue, continues to remain a
lucrative bet for the expanding agricultural industry, in line with growing organic food appeal
to consumers as a healthy and ethical choice. Beyond ethics, organic fertilizers are gaining
significant attraction on account of numerous environmental benefits, such as enhanced soil
structure and water conservation. Animal based organic fertilizers are garnering significant
attraction over plant-based variants owing to their good aeration and water retention
capabilities that enhance the soil fertility.
117
Fertilizers are necessary to increase fertility of the soils used for production of various
agricultural products. Organic fertilizers are fertilizers extracted from animal manure, plant
extracts as well as minerals and vegetable matters, which cause least damage to the
environment. Organic fertilizers are rich in growth hormones and micro nutrients and help to
reduce the risk of diseases in humans. Due to depletion of soil quality; requirement to
increase crop production is necessary which encouraging farmers to use organic fertilizers.
They are selected according to the requirement of the nutrients by the crop. The fast-growing
population, rising demand from agriculture farming for vermicompost as well as increasing
willingness to pay for organic foods, are key drivers for the market to blossom.
Vermicompost organic fertilizer production has now become a major component of agri-
business models across the world with a very low initial investment.
Global organic fertilizers market is expected to flourish at a CAGR of 6.9% during the
forecast period. Further, the global organic fertilizers market is anticipated to reach at a
valuation of USD 6.3 Billion by the end of 2024 from USD 3.1 Billion in 2016. Rising
awareness about the long term benefit of organic farming and increasing adoption of eco-
friendly products is anticipated to drive the growth of the global organic fertilizers market.
Moreover, government is encouraging the adoption of organic fertilizers in various nations
and launched incentive and reimbursement programs which is expected to positively impact
the growth of the global organic fertilizers market.
Vermicompost manufacturers are mostly in the India and Southeast Asia. Among them, India
Production value accounted for less than 9.50% of the total value of global Vermicompost.
Asia Pacific market of organic fertilizers is estimated to be the fastest growing market across
the globe due to high availability of raw materials. Further, favourable government subsidy
policies are envisioned to bolster the growth of organic fertilizers market in Asia Pacific
region.
An aspiring entrepreneur having knowledge about the manufacturing process can initiate a
vermicompost organic fertilizer production business. The unit can be established with
moderate capital investment on a small scale also.
Rural areas where agriculture is the main occupation, suburbs of cities and semi-urban
villages are considered ideal locations for setting up of vermicompost units on a larger scale
from the viewpoint of availability of raw material (cow dung) and marketing of the produce.
Based on the high-end trend of vermicompost technology it is getting increasingly
popular among local entrepreneurs for the reason that it is considered profitable maximizes
the yield.
118
Conclusion
Vermicompost organic fertilizer production business has good potential over a range of crops
i.e. agricultural, horticultural, vegetables, etc. The direct sale to end-users that includes
farmers groups, producers and distributors of organic fertilizer that needs vermicompost as
one of its primary components for 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, this will propel the business and economy of agricultural sector in the
direction of Atmanirvar Bharat.
119
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
VERMICOMPOSTING AND ORGANIC FARMING
Manjusha Tyagi1*Rukhsar Parveen2, Ankita3, Santosh Arya4
1*Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun
2Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun 3Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun 4Research scholar Department of Microbiology, SBAS, SGRR, University, Dehradun
CorrespondenceAuthor- manjushatyagi2008@gmail.com
ABSTRACT The modern form of organic farming is new concept .However it being popular in the world and
developed countries. India has tremendous potential to grow crops and vegetable organically and
emerge as a major supplier of organic product in the world organic market. Vermicomposting play a
very important role in organic farming. It is non- thermophilic biodegradation of organic material
through the interaction between microorganism and earthworm.Vermicomposting is a safe,
sustainable approach for treating organic waste. The decomposition of complex organic waste
resource into odour free humus-like substance through the action of earthworms. It is being
commercialized all over the world. It spread many countries like china,US & Australia.
Vermicompost are beneficial the environment by reducing the chemicals fertilizer and decreasing the
waste going to landfills. A new product of vermicomposting is vermicompost tea which is a liquid
produced by extracting organic matter, microorganism and nutrient from vermicompost. Now a days
vermicomposting is spread in India and other countries. It is easily storable, cheap, and do not create
any pollution and also easy adaptability by farmer. At present farmer move forward to organic
farming. It is more valuable and beneficial in our society.
Keywords- Vermicomposting, organic matter, vermicompost, earthworms, vermicompost tea.
Introduction
Vermicomposting also known as vermicasting is the processing of organic waste
through earthworm. It is a natural, odourless, aerobic process. Earthworm ingest waste then
excrete casts-dark, nutrient rich with soil mud granules that make an excellent soil
conditioner. Earthworm cast are ready to use fertilizer that can be used at a higher rate of
farmer as a biofertilizer (Chaoui etal.,2003). Vermicomposting helps to convert the organic
wastes (animal manure, agrowastes & domestic refuges into highly nutrient fertilizer for plant
&soil (Gajalakshmi and Abass 2004). Vermicompost is a peat like material which has a
properties like porosity,aeration, moisture holding capacity (Ismail 2005;Edward
etal.,2011). Vermicompost is a organic fertilizer rich in micronutrient, NPK and beneficial
soil microbes (nitrogen fixing & phosphate solublizing bacteria and actinomycetes). It is a
120
sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizer, which is an excellent growth promoter and
protector for plants & crops (Sinha etal.,2011;Chauhan and singh2015). Vermicomposting
is a process which combine the technique of both vermiculture and vermin composting
(Board,2004;Sinha etal.,2015).
At present vermicomposting is an important component of organic farming
system because it is easy to prepare, cheap, storable, do not create any pollution and easy
adaptability by farmer. Composting may be divided into two categories; Aerobic composting
and anaerobic composting. Aerobic composting is carried out in the presence of aerobic
microorganism, break down organic matters and produce co2 , ammonia, water, heat &humus.
In anaerobic composting, decomposition occur in the absence of oxygen. Earthworm plays an
important role in organic farming (Suthar, 2008). Some workers suggested that cellulose &
chitinase enzyme occur in the intestinal canal of Erathworm. Earthworm belongs to the
phylum Annelida. Earthworm can be divided into three environments i.e. terrestrial, marine
and fresh water environment. Earthworm is also known as important ecosystem engineers
(Huang etal.,2007). The enzyme are secreted by earthworm. Its gut consist of many bacteria
& actinomycetes and more than 50 species of bacteria. It was reported that these
microrganism was isolated from the intestinal canal of earthworm and found non that differ
from those in the soil which earthworm can live (Pale etal.,1963). Earthworm produced
intestinal mucous which contain large amount of water soluble, low molecular weight
compound that could be assimilated easily by rapidly multiplying microbial community in the
gut (Subler etal.,1998). In Vermitechnology following earthworm are used; Eisenia fetida
(Misha etal.,2014;Gupta etal.,2007;Manyuchi &Phiri,2013a), Perionyx excavates (Hatti
etal.,2010;Reinecke etal.,1992) and Endrilus eugenice(Reinecke etal.,1992) Eisenia Andrei
and Drawida willsi (Manyuchi and Phiri,2013a).
Role of Vermicomposting in Agriculture
At present, continous use of chemical fertilizer has resulted in the deplection of soil
health.Thus there is an practices using vermicompost, compost, and microbial
fertilizer.(Bano etal.,1987). Vermicomposting enhances soil fertility & water holding
capacity, nutrient supplying capacity, increase agriculture productivity, improves soil
biodiversity and the development of resistance in plant against pests and diseases Sharma
and Goyal, 2000;Adolph and Butterworth,2002;Willer and Larnoud,2019).
Vermicomposting plays an important role in industries, agriculture and overall national
economy. Vermicomposting is a very valuable resource as an organic fertilizer because it
provide macro-micronutrient for plant and is a low cost, eco-friendly. It is very necessary to
use of organic fertilizer to high productivity of products (Adiloglu etal.,2018). Excessive use
121
of chemical fertilizer can have adverse effect to the environment (Willer and
Lernoud,2019). Therefore farmers move forward to reduce the use of over chemical
fertilizers and thus organic fertilizers is one of the solution for sustainable agriculutural
productivity (Yousefi and Sadeghi,2014).
Vermicomposting as a biofertilizer
At a present status of global agriculture and soil scenarios the role of earthworm as better and
safe biofertilizer (Singh etal.,2020). Many green technology such as biofertilizer,
vermicompost, green manuring, algal biofertilizer play a important role in minimization of
vast generated from agricultural crops. Nutrients available in domestic &agriculture waste
after composting improve improves plant growth when applied to soil (Wahi etal.,2019).
Nowadays compost tea is a significance role in organic farming. Compost tea is
liquid mixture of nutrient and extracting bacteria, fungi, protozoa etc (Kelly,2013). Compost
tea are beneficial on plants, it prevents plant disease after spraying in compost tea. It is very
useful in agriculture (Scheuerell,2003;Kelly,2004;Gole,2003).
❖ Secreting secondary metabolites,
❖ Develop plant disease suppression.
❖ Increased soil microorganism population and diversity to improve soil structure, plant
growth and water retention.
It was concluded that vermicomposting is spread all over countries .It is more
valuable and beneficial in our society.
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INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS- INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020
Dr. Brundaban Sahu
Dr.Kshan Prabha Sahoo
Anuska bhuyan
Dr Manoj Kumar Kar
Sunil Kumar Sahoo
Vanessa Jena
Mr. ANIMESH DASPATTNAYAK
Ratnakar Palei
Madan Mohan Pradhan
Adani Lokho
DR DIBYALOCHAN SINGH
Dr. Santosh Kumar Singh
Manish Kumar Das
Deepshikha Sharma
Rose kunkal
Dr. Gyanranjan Mahalik
126
Bhabjit pattnaik
Dr Jeewan Singh Jalal
DR PRDYUTI DASH
Dr Bipranarayan Mallick
Purnima Regmi
Bhaoona regmi
Subham Babu
Mr.Ananta Kumar Nayak
KAMAL LOCHAN MAHALIK
Mr.ISWAR MEHER
SUMITRA MARNDI
Sarita Lenka
SUMITRA MARNDI
Dr. Jayadev Sahoo
Somani Jethi
Dr. Sagarika Parida
Rajlaxmi Mohanty
AKHILESHWAR PRASAD
Vanessa Jena
127
Raj Kumar Magar
Sumi Shikha Singh
Dr Sanjit Biswas
Yashoda Dangi
Suprava Bisoyi
Suryakanta swain
Monalisa Panda
Maminee Panda
Sampada
Leena Gantayat
Dr Manna Milia6
Dr. Milimita Padhi
Dr. Upendra Prasad Tripathy
Kiran Bala Bhuyan
Srimay Pradhan
Sasmita Panda
S JYOSHNA RAO
Vanessa Jena
KUMAR SAMBHAV CHOPDAR
128
Krushnà Chandra Pradhan
Vanessa Jena
Anindita Nanda
Dr Manjulika Nayak
Dr Banabihari Panigrahi
Sujata Mahapatra
Dr. SIDDHARTHA KUMAR SAHU
Dr. Raj Narayan Roy
GYAN CHANDRA PARIYAR
KESHARI PRASAD MOHANTY
PUNAM RAJESWARY
Dr. Anandini Rout
Adyasha Sahoo
Alok Prasad Das
Ushashee Mandal
Sunita Satapathy
Aditi Harichandan
Pratima Hembram
DR. TANUJ MATHUR
129
Suchismita Rout
Padmanav Behera
Nibedita Nayak
Dr.Saroj Kumar Mishra
Akash Kumar Satapathy
SYED ARIF RAZA
Dr. Lalit Raj Singh
Kalpita Bhatta
Dr Manjusha Tyagi
Debaraj Parida
Himanshu thapliyal
Balarama Sahoo
Soumi Mukherjee
SANGRAM KESHARI NANDA
Sagufta Parvin
Priyani Rajguru
Dr. Arpita Das
Umakanta Sethy
Dr Anjali Sahu
130
MUNIT SHARMA
Subhashree Mongaraj
Smruti Snigdha Panda
Barsha Priyadarshini
Bijayarani Panigrahi
MUNISH SHARMA
Dr. AMIT KUMAR SHARMA
Dr Santosh Kumar Rout
Charchita Mohanty
Harpreet kaur
Dr.Priti Pragyan Ray
DR. ASHOK KUMAR NAYAK
Dr. RAJENDRA YONZONE
Dr.Kapil Charan mohanty
Minati prava sahoo
Dr Pabitra Mohan Nanda
BIPLAB AUDDYA
Pratyusini Mohapatra
Ashok Kumar Swain
131
Manoranjan Mohanta
Bishnu Prasad Sahu
SUSANTA NANDA
Bamakanta Garnaik
Nirupama Parida
Anshulipsa Barik
Dr. Arun Kumar Rath
Dr. Sabita Rani Mishra
Binita Rai
Dr MAMTA GOYAL
Dr.SURESH KUMAR GOYAL
Srimay Pradhan
Medha Mishra
Pranab Kumar Swain
SARMISTHA SAHOO
Pranjal Devkota
Dr.Santosh Kumar Patra
PRAFULLA KUMAR BEHERA
Sagufta Parvin
132
Dr. Sunil Kumar Senapati
Manoj Kumar Mohapatra
Dr Padmanava Mohanty
Harapriya Mangaraj
Richa Mishra
Dr.Subhashree Aparajita
Mrs Smruti srabani
DILLIP KUMAR BEHERA
Dr sanjibani panda
Dr Umabati Sahu
Dr.UMA RANI
Juliet Dhanraj
Dr Tanmayee Mishra
Dr. Pranati Patnaik
Dr Satya Narayan Sahoo
SAUMYA RANJAN PALAI
Rukhsar Parveen
Mousumi Ray
Dr Puspanjali Parida
133
Dr. Nitin Sharma
SAGARIKA BASA
Sarala Oli
Dipendra joshi
Purusottam Mahat
Bhuban Pani
Dr Prasanta Kumar Samantray
Mr.Susil Kumar Pattanaik
Debasish Patra
Monalisa Dhall
Dr Tanmayee Mishra
Sunita Satapathy
Priyadarshini Lenka
Sandhyarani Kuanr
Dr (Mrs) Mamata Pandey
Anjali Prasad
Anil Kumar Patnaik
Sradhanjali Sahu
Sunita Majhi
134
Ranjeeta Nayak
Harapriya Mangaraj
Arsia Tabish
Arpita Sethy
AMBIKA PRASAD PATI
Ashutos Mohapatra
Biswajit jena
Ipsa Satapathy
Sunil Kumar Sahoo
Daksha Ranjan padhi
Swadhin Sekhar Lenka
Upali aparajita Prusty
Manaswini Bal
Lipsa Gochhayat
Madhusmita sahoo
Arsia Tabish
DHANESWAR MALLIK
Manisha Tripathy
Anshulipsa Barik
135
Ranjeeta mahalik
Sanskruti Samal
Bibhu Prasad Dash
Soumyaranjan Dash
Dr. Ashok Kumar Khatua
Sadhana Kumari Bai
Monalisa Sahoo
Barsha regmi
Dr. Gagan bihari prusty
Babita Shrestha
Samiksha Pokhrel
Sarojini Jena
RAJAT KUMAR MISHRA
Suprabha Bhattarai
Dr. BABURAM PANI
Maheswari Behera
Dr Priscilla Chandra Rout
Jyotirmayee sahu
DEBASISH SETHI
136
Barsharani swain
SANTOSH KUMAR ROUT
Upali aparajita Prusty
SritamNanda
Mamata Mishra
Damayanti Nanda
Jayanteebala Parija
PRAMODA KUMAR MAHAPATRA
Goutam Jena
DR PRAKASH KUMAR SARANGI
Niranjan Panda
SISIR KUMAR SAHOO
Amrita oli
Bijay Paudel
Pradeep Kumar Dash
Durlav Parajuli
sarada prasad mohapatra
Gagan bihari prusty
Barsha Bhushan Swain
137
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ONVERMICOMPOSTING
AND ORGANIC FARMING, ORGANIZED BY DEPT OF BOTANY & ZOOLOGY, NARASINGH CHOUDHURY AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE, JAJPUR, ODISHA AND DEPT. OF ENV SC, TRICHANDRA COLLEGE, TU, NEPAL
AND SUPPORTED THE WORLD BANK (29TH AND 30TH AUGUST 2020)
INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ON
“VERMICOMPOSTING AND ORGANIC FARMING, 29TH&
30TH AUGUST 2020- A REPORT
An International Virtual Conference on “ Vermicomposting and Organic
Farming” organized by NCAC Jajpur, Odisha in association with
Trichandra College, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal and
supported by the World Bank. In this conference about 400 participants
from various corners of India and abroad have attended and experts like
Prof Manoj K Mohapatra and Dr Mukul C Kalita from India and Kishor
Maharjan from Nepal delivered on their research topics. Debraj Behera,
Livelihood Specialist, World Bank and Juliet Dhanraj, Canada joined as
Chief Guest and appreciated the efforts of Organizing team of Dept of
Botany and Zoology, NCAC Jajpur and wish the Conference a grand
success.
The session stared with Introductory and welcome address by Dr
Biswajit Mohapatra, I/C UGC and Convener, International Conference. Dr
Kshan Prabha Sahoo, Faculty and Joint Organizing Secretary, NCAC
Jajpur presented a brief introduction about the Institution and also some
of the achievements. Also some selected participants from across 22 states
of India presented their research articles before the International audience.
All the speakers mainly focus on “Atmanirvar Bharat” concept relating to
self reliance so as to face the challenges of Post Covid 19. The participants
had a nice interaction with the speakers, panelists and experts about the
concept of Vermiculture which is the need for sustainable farming. The 2
days webinar was chaired by Prof Manoj K Mohapatra and Dr Biswajit
Mohapatra, NCAC Jajpur,
At last but not the least an appreciation address was given by
Dr.Kshan Prabha Sahoo, Lecturer, Dept of Botany, NCAC Jajpur and
Joint Organizing Secretary of International Conference, 29th and 30th
August 2020.
138
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