SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
Vermicompost/Vermiwash Preparation : An Outreach Activity ('Installation of Vermicomposting Unit, Training and Awareness Development')
Activity Dates: 27/09/2024
Type of Activity: Outreach Activity
Organizing Department: Department of Botany & Bioinformatics
Program Coordinators: Dr. Ankit S. Kale
Head of the Department: Dr. D. D. Khedkar
External Collaborator (if any): NA
Objectives:
- To install a vermicomposting unit at Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya and Jr. College, Shirala, as a sustainable waste management system
- To educate school teachers and students on the benefits and methods of vermicomposting for environmental sustainability.
- To create awareness among local farmers and villagers about using vermicompost as an organic alternative to chemical fertilizers.
- To provide hands-on training on the construction, maintenance, and operation of vermicomposting units.
- To promote eco-friendly practices in waste management and agriculture, encouraging the community to adopt sustainable methods.
No of Beneficieries: 50
Classes Involved: BSc I
Venue of the Activity: Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya and Jr College, Shirala
Activity Report:
On Friday, 27th September 2024, the Department of Botany, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, successfully conducted an outreach activity titled “Installation of Vermicomposting Unit, Training, and Awareness” at Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya and Junior College, Shirala, Tq Chandurbazaar. The activity was catalyzed by the DBT Star College scheme and involved the participation of 20 BSc first-year students from Shri Shivaji Science College, local villagers, and students of Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya. The primary objective of this outreach was to educate the participants about vermicomposting as a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management practice while installing a working vermicomposting unit for practical demonstration.
The initiative aimed to bring together various stakeholders, including educators, students, farmers, and local residents, to promote environmental conservation through composting organic waste. The workshop was designed to create awareness, provide hands-on training, and offer practical solutions for organic waste management. This report outlines the objectives, proceedings, and outcomes of the outreach activity.
Participants
The outreach activity saw the enthusiastic participation of various groups, including:
20 BSc First-Year Students from Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, who were actively involved in the training and installation process.
Students and Teachers of Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya, who were the primary beneficiaries of the vermicomposting unit.
Local People from Shirala Village, including farmers and residents interested in adopting vermicomposting techniques to manage waste and enhance soil health on their farms.
Proceedings of the Day
The outreach activity commenced at 10:00 AM with an introductory session by Dr. Ankit S. Kale, Teacher In-charge from Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati. He welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the vermicomposting process and its importance in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Mr. Sachin Deshmukh, Principal of the School, further elaborated on the role of vermicomposting in reducing organic waste and improving soil fertility.
Introduction to Vermicomposting: The first session was an interactive discussion on vermicomposting, covering the following topics:
What is Vermicomposting?: Participants learned about the biological process of vermicomposting, where earthworms are used to convert organic waste into high-quality compost.
Benefits of Vermicomposting: The session highlighted the environmental and agricultural benefits, such as reduced waste, improved soil health, and enhanced crop yields.
The Role of Earthworms: The species of earthworms commonly used for vermicomposting (Eisenia fetida) and their function in breaking down organic matter were discussed.
Installation of the Vermicomposting Unit: Following the educational session, the installation of the vermicomposting unit began. The 20 BSc students from Shri Shivaji Science College led the process, assisted by local participants and students from Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya. The process involved:
Selection of the Site: A suitable location was chosen within the school premises, ensuring that it was shaded and protected from extreme weather conditions.
Setting up the Composting Bed: Participants prepared the composting bed using a mixture of organic waste materials such as vegetable peels, dried leaves, and cow dung. The waste was layered in a specific order to optimize the composting process.
Introduction of Earthworms: The earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were introduced into the compost bed. Participants were shown how to monitor the earthworms’ activity and maintain the correct moisture and temperature levels.
Maintenance Instructions: Instructions were given on maintaining the composting unit, including periodic turning of the compost, adding water to maintain moisture levels, and ensuring an optimal environment for the earthworms.
Training and Demonstration: The hands-on training session was one of the key highlights of the outreach activity. Each participant had the opportunity to engage with the composting process, from preparing the compost bed to managing the worms. Local farmers and villagers, in particular, showed great interest in adopting this technique for their farms. The BSc students, who had been trained in advance, provided step-by-step guidance to the villagers, ensuring that they understood the practical aspects of vermicomposting.
Interactive Q&A Session: After the installation and training, an interactive Q&A session was held. Local farmers raised questions about the use of vermicompost in various crops, the benefits of organic over chemical fertilizers, and the economic feasibility of starting a vermicomposting unit on a larger scale. Experts from the Botany Department addressed these queries, providing scientific insights and practical advice.
Closing Ceremony: The activity concluded with a closing ceremony, where the participants were thanked for their enthusiastic participation. Certificates of participation were distributed to the BSc students and other key participants. Mr. Sachin Dehsmukh, Principal of the School ; emphasized the importance of continued engagement with sustainable agricultural practices and encouraged the local community to apply what they had learned in their own farming practices.
Outcomes of the Outreach Activity
The outreach activity resulted in several positive outcomes:
Successful Installation of the Vermicomposting Unit: The vermicomposting unit installed at Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya is now fully functional and will serve as a long-term educational tool for students and the local community. The school intends to use the compost produced in its garden, further promoting sustainable practices.
Increased Awareness and Knowledge: Both students and local participants gained a deeper understanding of vermicomposting and its benefits. Teachers from the school expressed interest in incorporating vermicomposting into their curriculum, ensuring that future students continue to learn about this eco-friendly practice.
Hands-on Experience for BSc Students: The 20 BSc students from Shri Shivaji Science College gained practical experience in setting up and maintaining a vermicomposting unit. This experience is expected to enhance their academic understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and provide them with valuable skills for future projects.
Community Engagement and Farmer Participation: The outreach activity successfully engaged local farmers, several of whom expressed interest in setting up vermicomposting units on their own farms. This could lead to a gradual shift from chemical fertilizers to organic compost in the region, improving soil health and crop yields.
Promotion of Environmental Sustainability: By promoting vermicomposting, the outreach activity contributed to the broader goal of environmental sustainability. The reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers, coupled with the efficient management of organic waste, aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion
The outreach activity on “Installation of Vermicomposting Unit, Training, and Awareness” at Kasturbabai Jain Vidyalaya was a resounding success. It not only achieved its objectives of educating the community and installing a functional vermicomposting unit but also fostered a spirit of collaboration between the students of Shri Shivaji Science College and the local community. By creating awareness and offering practical solutions for waste management, this outreach activity has laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the region.
The Department of Botany, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, remains committed to organizing similar activities in the future, with the goal of empowering communities through education and sustainable practices.
Outcomes:
- Successful installation of a functional vermicomposting unit at the school, serving as a model for the community.
- Increased knowledge among teachers, students, and locals about vermicomposting and its environmental benefits.
- Enhanced community engagement, with locals and farmers showing interest in adopting vermicomposting techniques for their own farms.
- Skill development among participants, enabling them to maintain the installed unit and replicate it elsewhere.
- Reduction in organic waste, as participants apply the principles of vermicomposting, leading to better waste management in the region.
Photos:
 Students Moving to the Venue | .jpeg) Vermibed Preparation |
.jpeg) Cleaning at the site |  News at Deshonnati 30 sept 2024 |
 Theorotical session on Vermicomposting |  Group Photo after installation of Vermicomposting Unit |
Attendance Sheet:
.jpeg) Sheet |
 Sheet |
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