The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Oriental Negros is raising a small army of earthworms capable of turning organic waste into organic fertilizer.

Earthworms are playing a key role in the venture of the province into organic farming after then Gov. George Arnaiz declared that Oriental Negros will start shifting from conventional farming, into organic farming technology, or natural farming systems. Provincial agriculturist Gregorio Paltinca said they are using the African night crawler and red wriggler species of earthworms in vermicomposting, or the process of using earthworms to turn organic waste into vermicompost or vermicast, a high quality and chemical-free natural fertilizer.

Because they are prolific, these wriggling processors of organic waste have a high reproductive rate and voraciously feed on organic waste such as cow manure, grass, dead leaves or discarded vegetables, he said.

"A kilo of these earthworms can produce one kilo of vermicompost each night," Paltinca disclosed.

Farmers and homeowners can use the organic fertilizer in growing organic crops and vegetables that contain neither contaminants nor chemicals believed to cause harm to one's health.

Paltinca urged the public not to burn dead leaves and grass and just pile them up instead. "I can provide them earthworms that can convert waste into the best organic fertilizer," he said.

He added that homeowners interested in vermicomposting can contact his office to know more about the process. He also urged farmers to shift to organic farming with the use of vermicomposting to produce organic and naturally-grown crops.*RG

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