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HOW TO MAKE KSH40,000 A MONTH WITH RED EARTH WORMS BUSINESS IN KENYA

The demand for organic food is on the rise in Kenya, as health-conscious consumers seek to understand the origin of the food they consume. This trend has led to an increase in organic farming, with farmers seeking to meet the growing market demand. One of the approaches adopted in organic farming is the use of biological methods to provide essential plant nutrients and protect crops.

Vermicomposting and vermiliquid are two plant nutrients derived from red earthworms that ingest organic waste at a rapid pace. Rearing these worms is a lucrative business opportunity for individuals looking to make money from less capital investment. Additionally, this venture is not yet crowded, making it an attractive opportunity for interested farmers.

Starting small is recommended for this venture, with a raised structure built of poles and timber offcuts being the primary requirement. The structure costs approximately Sh5,000, and containers like old buckets or cans with a capacity of 10-20 litres will also be necessary to collect vermiliquid. It is also advisable to purchase starter worms from established vermiculturists at a cost of Sh2,500.

Redworms feed on organic waste such as fruit peels and vegetables, which are readily available free of charge. With observation and practice, farmers can acquire simple tips for improving their redworm rearing venture, enabling them to collect vermicompost and vermiliquid from time to time.

One can harvest 100-150 kilos of vermicompost and 80-100 litres of vermiliquid per month, selling a kilo of vermicompost at Sh70 and a litre of vermiliquid at Sh150. The returns from this venture are promising, with farmers able to make close to Sh25,500 a month. The worms can multiply quickly, enabling farmers to sell them to other growers and earn more cash.

According to experts, a kilogram of earthworms can increase its number to approximately 4000 kilograms at the end of December, given the right conditions. Additionally, after a year of rearing, a farmer can produce up to three tonnes of organic fertilizer daily. With redworms selling at Sh200 per kilogram, selling a minimum of 10 kilos a month would earn farmers Sh20,000. Combining this with Sh25,500 from vermicompost and vermiliquid, farmers can earn over Sh40,000 a month.