When Parimal first heard about vermicompost, his curiosity was piqued. “How does it work? What is it made of? How is it different from the chemical fertilizers I’ve been using?” These questions swirled in his head, sparking a desire to learn more.

For years, Parimal Sur from Harishnagar Part 1, Katlicherra Block, Hailakandi District, Assam had relied on chemical fertilizers, a practice that had slowly eaten away both his income and the health of his soil. The declining crop yields and rising costs weighed heavily on his mind.

Parimal wasn’t alone in his struggles. Many smallholder farmers in his village were caught in the same vicious cycle, desperately seeking a way out. It was in this context that Caritas India’s FARM North East project arrived, offering hope through the formation of farmers’ clubs.

Always eager to improve his farming methods, Parimal became an active member of both the local farmers’ club and the farmers’ producer organization. His enthusiasm caught the attention of Seva Kendra Silchar (SKS), a partner of the FARM project, who provided five Vermi bags to the Farmers Club to promote organic farming.

Parimal was all excited at the prospect of trying something new. Recognizing his dedication, SKS went a step further, supplying him with 2,000 earthworms to kickstart his vermicomposting journey. It was a small gesture that would soon lead to big changes.

As Parimal attended training sessions on organic farming, he began to see the potential of vermicomposting. The idea of rejuvenating his soil and improving crop quality without relying on expensive chemicals was appealing. With determination, he decided to make the shift towards sustainable farming practices.

He learnt that the Vermicompost provides the same nutrients as chemical fertilizers, but with significant advantages. It improves soil structure, delivers nutrients naturally, and enhances soil microbial activity, ensuring long-term fertility. This nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, produced by earthworms breaking down organic matter, contains essential macronutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, which promote plant growth, root development, and disease resistance. Additionally, it supplies crucial micronutrients such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, and Manganese, vital for overall plant health.

Under the guidance of SKS and Mr. Tamijul Rahaman Laskar, a vermicomposting specialist from the neighbouring Sribhumi District, Parimal set out to master the techniques of producing, extracting, and utilizing vermicompost. It wasn’t an easy journey. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but Parimal persevered.

In early 2024, His hard work paid off when he applied the vermicompost to his winter crops. The results were astounding. His crops looked healthier than ever before, and the soil structure had visibly improved. Encouraged by this success, Parimal began producing surplus compost, which he sold to fellow farmers at ₹20 per kilogram, creating an additional income stream.

Parimal’s farm soon became a model for organic farming in the region. His success story spread, inspiring other farmers to explore vermicomposting. Always willing to share his knowledge, Parimal conducted training sessions for farmers from neighboring villages, empowering them to adopt sustainable practices.

Reflecting on his transformative journey, Mr. Parimal shared, “Vermicomposting has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to produce organic manure at home, which not only enriches my farm but also provides an additional income through sales. I am deeply thankful for empowering smallholder farmers like me to build sustainable livelihoods.”

According to Tracy Lamont, Field Programme Associate at SKS, “Mr. Parimal embodies the true spirit of resilience and growth. His dedication to sustainable farming and his eagerness to share knowledge have inspired a wave of positive change within the community. By setting a high standard for other farmers in the region, his journey stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the FARM project.”

Inspired by his success, farmers from both project villages and neighbouring areas have shown keen interest in learning vermicomposting techniques. To share his expertise, Parimal has conducted multiple training sessions, empowering other smallholder farmers to adopt this sustainable practice. He plans to continue practicing vermicomposting and training more farmers in the coming years.

The support provided by the FARM project has transformed Mr. Parimal’s approach to agriculture. By producing his own vermi compost, he has reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers, lowered farming costs, and improved his soil’s fertility. His transformation from a learner to a trainer highlights the far-reaching benefits of vermicomposting and underscores the significance of the FARM Northeast Phase IV project in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This success story not only demonstrates the potential of organic farming but also serves as an inspiration for other farmers seeking to break free from the cycle of chemical dependency and embrace a more sustainable, profitable future in agriculture.