Rajasthan: Subsidies Offered for Vermicompost Unit Construction, Farmers Urged to Take Advantage

Udaipur- In line with the Budget Announcement 2024-25, the Rajasthan government has initiated the online application process for subsidies under the Vermicompost Unit Construction (Permanent Structure) Program to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in traditional farming and enhance soil fertility. In Udaipur district, farmers are also being provided subsidies for the construction of vermicompost units.

To reduce the increasing cost of farming due to chemical fertilizers and to protect the environment, the state government is promoting organic farming by encouraging the use of vermicompost. This will not only provide proper nutrition to crops, enhancing their growth, but also increase farmers' income.

Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer produced through the activity of worms, particularly earthworms. Using it in agriculture offers numerous benefits. It enhances soil fertility, improving crop growth. Vermicompost improves soil structure, increases water retention capacity, and promotes microbial activity. It is more eco-friendly compared to chemical fertilizers, improving the quality of soil and water. Farmers can reduce costs and achieve remarkable success in production through its use.

Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension), Sudhir Verma, explained that farmers will receive subsidies on a 'first come, first served' basis by applying on the Raj Kisan Saathi portal. In case of a large number of applications, a lottery system will be applied. The permanent vermicompost units will prove to be a boon for farmers practicing organic farming in the district, further increasing their inclination towards organic methods.

Verma mentioned that Udaipur district has been allocated a target of constructing 100 permanent vermicompost units. Farmers establishing these units will receive a subsidy of 50% of the cost or a maximum of ₹50,000. Farmers can apply online to avail themselves of this subsidy. Vermicompost use will promote soil health and fertility.

The department has issued guidelines for the implementation of the Vermicompost Unit Establishment Program under the Chief Minister’s budget announcement. For a subsidy on a permanent vermicompost unit, a farmer must have a minimum of 0.4 hectares of cultivable land in one place. Farmers can apply online through the nearest e-Mitra center or independently via the Raj Kisan portal. Offline applications will not be accepted.

Technical Requirements:

Verma further stated that to establish a vermicompost unit, a permanent structure of 30 feet x 8 feet x 2.5 feet must be built. The subsidy will only be released after physical verification of the unit by the district officer or a representative agricultural supervisor, assistant agricultural officer. The height of the concrete shed should be at least 10 feet in the middle and 8 feet at the edges. Farmers can purchase a minimum of 60 kg of earthworms from ATCs, registered NGOs, cow shelters, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agricultural Research Centers, Agricultural Colleges, etc. Each bed should utilize 400 grams of Trichoderma, PSB, Azotobacter culture, and 1 kg of neem cake. For more information, farmers can log on to the departmental website or contact the Raj Kisan Saathi portal helpline numbers: 0141 - 2927047, 2922613.