Assessing the Impact of Rapid Composting Technology on Doubling Farmer’s Income in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present work aimed to create awareness, conduct demonstrations and train the farmers of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) on the adoption of technology on "Rapid Composting of Crop Residues" so as to bring additional income and savings in the cost of cultivation.  The districts covered in Eastern U.P. were Mau, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, and Chandauli. During the study period (2019 to 2022), 6172 farmers representing 148 villages were reached to create awareness about rapid composting technology for organic matter recycling and livelihood enhancement. The technology was demonstrated to 4976 farmers including women by installation of 2870 composting bags. The number of awareness, demonstration and training conducted were 190, 168 and 21, respectively. By imparting training, 265 master trainers were developed. Out of this, 40 farmer turned entrepreneurs were identified based on successful adoption of this technology in terms of generation of additional income/savings in the cost of production. The farmers were able to produce one quintal of good quality compost from 1.5 quintal of raw material (paddy straw/other crop residue) from each composting bag in each cycle of production. Considering three cycles of production in a year, the farmers can earn a sum of Rs. 6000/- per bag per annum in case of selling the bio-fortified compost at the rate of Rs. 20 per kg. Whereas they save Rs. 3000/- per crop in Kharif on paddy and Rs 1,000 per crop in Rabi on wheat if they use the compost in their own farm as a part of replacement of chemical fertilizers. There is a large demand of organic manure in rural areas, therefore, farmers prefer to use it in their own farm. Some farmers have started selling the compost, which are in excess after application in the farm and earn additional income.