### Dream of Farmer Welfare Realized Through Eco-Friendly Vermicompost

**Udaipur, The farmer-friendly government of Rajasthan, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, has shown its commitment to environmental conservation and farmer welfare by adopting several innovative measures. In line with this, to curb the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in traditional farming and enhance soil fertility, the Rajasthan government has initiated an online application process for subsidies under the Vermicompost Unit Construction (Permanent Structure) program as per the 2024-25 budget announcement. This initiative is also being implemented in Udaipur district, where farmers are being encouraged to take advantage of the subsidies for setting up vermicompost units.

To reduce the rising costs of farming due to chemical fertilizers and to protect the environment, the state government is promoting organic farming by encouraging the use of vermicompost. Proper nutrition from this organic fertilizer will enhance crop growth and increase farmers' incomes.

#### Organic Fertilizer to Transform Farmers' Fortunes:
Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer produced through the activity of worms, particularly earthworms. It offers numerous benefits when used in agriculture. It enhances soil fertility, improves crop growth, and strengthens soil structure. Additionally, it increases water retention capacity and encourages the activity of microorganisms. Vermicompost is more eco-friendly compared to chemical fertilizers, thereby improving soil and water quality. Its use can reduce farming costs and lead to substantial success in production.

#### How to Obtain the Subsidy:
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. If there is an excess of applications, a lottery system will be implemented. The permanent vermicompost units will prove to be a boon for farmers practicing organic farming in the district, further boosting their interest in organic practices.

#### Up to 50% Subsidy Available:
Verma stated that Udaipur district has been allocated a target of constructing 100 permanent vermicompost units. Farmers will receive a subsidy of 50% of the cost or up to ₹50,000 for establishing a permanent vermicompost unit. Farmers can apply online to avail themselves of this benefit. The use of vermicompost will enhance soil health and fertility.

#### Application via E-Mitra or Raj Kisan Portal:
As per the Chief Minister's budget announcement, the department has issued guidelines for the establishment of vermicompost units. To qualify for the subsidy on a permanent vermicompost unit, a farmer must have at least 0.4 hectares of cultivable land. Farmers can apply online either through a nearby E-Mitra center or independently via the Raj Kisan portal. Offline applications will not be accepted.

#### Technical Requirements:
Verma further explained that the establishment of a vermicompost unit requires a permanent structure with dimensions of 30 feet x 8 feet x 2.5 feet. After the construction and online application, the subsidy will be released only after a physical verification by a district officer or representative, such as an agriculture supervisor or assistant agriculture officer. The structure should have a minimum height of 10 feet in the middle and 8 feet at the edges. A minimum of 60 kg of earthworms must be procured from ATC, registered NGOs, cowsheds, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural research centers, or agricultural colleges. Additionally, each bed should contain 400 grams of Trichoderma, PSB, Azotobacter culture, and 1 kg of neem cake. For more information, farmers can log in to the departmental website or contact the Raj Kisan Saathi portal's help desk at 0141 - 2927047, 2922613.