Ampati, Sept 24: For farmers in South West Garo Hills, farm waste is finding a new purpose—as a source of manure, savings and income.
At Bolsak Dobokgre under Betasing C&RD Block, farmer Nangman Marak is turning organic waste into an additional source of livelihood. With a vermicomposting unit provided under the Organic Manure Scheme 2023-24, he produces around 1.8 tonnes of vermicompost annually, selling it at Rs. 30 per kg and earning an annual turnover of up to Rs. 54,000.
His experience is among several success stories emerging from the District Horticulture Office, South West Garo Hills, Ampati, which has been encouraging farmers to adopt organic manure practices and reduce dependence on external inputs.
Under the Organic Manure Scheme, funding was provided during 2023-24 to 2025-26 for establishing vermicomposting units, while beneficiaries received hands-on training-cum-demonstrations on their preparation and management. For Barnath D. Sangma of Modhupara, Rerapara C&RD Block, the intervention has translated into direct savings.
A marginal farmer, Barnath earlier spent around Rs. 10,000 annually purchasing cow dung for his vegetable plots. After receiving a vermicomposting unit under the scheme in 2024-25, he now produces around 2 tonnes a year, which he uses in his own cultivation. The unit has allowed him to meet his manure requirement without purchasing cow dung from outside.
In Dathbanga under Zikzak C&RD Block, Trivina Ch. Sangma has incorporated vermicompost into her flower nursery. Producing around 2 metric tonnes annually, she uses it for nursery beds and pots, with the flowers subsequently sold in the open market. For Trivina, the benefit extends from healthier nursery production to an additional livelihood activity.
At Dorambokgre under Rerapara C&RD Block, Dilano Sangma is both using and selling his produce. His 3m x 2m x 0.85m unit yields around 2 tonnes annually. He sells the compost at approximately Rs. 40 per kg and uses part of it for his own vegetable cultivation.
Vermicomposting uses earthworms to convert biodegradable organic material into nutrient-rich manure, providing farmers with a locally produced alternative to purchased inputs.
The four experiences show how the intervention is producing different benefits at the farm level—from income generation and reduced expenditure to nursery production and improved access to organic manure.
More importantly, they demonstrate the potential of small, practical interventions to strengthen farm livelihoods while encouraging more sustainable horticultural practices across South West Garo Hills.
