Production Efficiency, Economic Feasibility, and Market Dynamics of Vermi Composting in Rampur, Chitwan: A Comparative Study of GAVS and ASLF

Abstract

Vermicomposting stands at the intersection of ecological wisdom and economic opportunity, and this study conducted at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, unfolds this dual promise through the hands-on experiences of two student-led technical groups at same location within same period of time; GAVS and ASLF. Using Eisenia fetida as the biological engine, both groups transformed raw organic manure into high-value vermicompost while simultaneously cultivating practical entrepreneurship. Through a rich comparative assessment, this research reveals striking differences in production efficiency, market behavior, cost structures, and economic outcomes. GAVS achieved superior conversion efficiency (53.2%) and a higher multiplication rate of earthworms (twice). Their model demonstrated remarkable profitability, yielding a maximum ROI of 178.29% and BCR of 2.78. Another group ASLF, though more conservative in market strategy, excelled in resource procurement and cost minimization, achieving an impressive ROI of 130.51% and BCR of 2.31. Beyond economics, this article documents a speculation on rare and alarming biological observation: larval predation of red wigglers by click beetle larvae, an interaction previously undocumented in vermiculture settings in Nepal. This unexpected ecological interference underscores the delicate biological balance required for sustainable vermicomposting. The findings also affirm that vermiculture, when supported by academic infrastructure and guided technical learning, is not only ecologically restorative but also financially rewarding. The contrasting yet complementary models of GAVS and ASLF highlight two viable pathways: adaptive commercialization and cost-efficient conservation, both capable of empowering youth, enriching soils, and strengthening the emerging vermicompost market in Nepal. This research thus positions vermicomposting as a promising, scalable, and socially relevant agro entrepreneurial frontier for the Chitwan region and beyond.