How to Become a Vermiculturist

About Vermiculturist

A vermiculturist is a professional who is also known as a worm farmer. The major responsibilities of a vermiculturist are to breed worms, use these worms to convert waste products such as spoiled fruits, vegetables, uneaten food, grass clippings and faeces into organic fertilizer. Through this process, he makes sure that the soil becomes nutrient-rich. This entire process that is done by a vermiculturist is called as Vermicomposting. The product of composting using earthworms is called as Vermicompost.

Vermicompost is a water-soluble nutrient and is known to be rich in nutrients that can be used as an organic fertilizer. It can be used for farming and plantation. Vermicomposting is also used for the treatment of sewage.

Candidates who want to pursue a career as a  Vermiculturist must not be vermiphobic or allergic to living organisms that are found in soil/underground. He must be familiar with the agricultural environment and must have independent thinking and decision making abilities  

A Vermiculturist has a good career option in government sectors. The scope of self-employment and business is high for candidates with good knowledge of vermicompost and bio waste management.

Eligibility to become Vermiculturist

In India, there are no degree courses in Vermicomposting, and some of the institutes like ICAR, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SSPU) etc offer a Certificate course in Vermicomposting. Through this course, students are taught on various techniques to produce Vermicompost. The minimum eligibility required to take admission in these certificate courses can be Class 12^th.

However, candidates who have passed B.Sc in Agriculture/ Horticulture can also take up the Certificate course as it adds value to their career. On the other hand, Agriculture/ Horticulture graduates are well versed with techniques of organic farming, he/she can shine in the field of Vermicomposting.

If you are looking for jobs in government organizations like ICRISAT, ICAR or state agriculture departments, a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/ Horticulture is mandatory.

Types of Job Roles Vermiculturist

Following are some of the job roles of a Vermiculturist: -

Vermicompost Producer

• A Vermicompost Producer is responsible to produce good quality vermicompost by using correct species of worms and techniques in an area.
• They try to produce compost which would offer long-term soil fertility.

Vermicompost in Farming

• One of the roles of a Vermiculturist in farming is to provide enough manure for organic farming. The compost produced by treatment of worms is a natural source for farming and it acts as the fertilizer for the soil.
• They help to produce compost through the activity of aerobic (oxygen requiring) microorganisms.
• They analyse the nutrition value of compost which would retain the fertility of the soil.

Top Recruiting Organizations for a Vermiculturist

A candidate with a certificate in vermiculture or equivalent can expect a job role in the following sectors/ organisations. However, he/she must have a Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree in Agriculture/ Horticulture or allied fields.

• Agriculture and Allied
• Agriculture Crop Production
• ICAR- Veterinary Research Institute

The scope for self-employment and business is high.

Pay Scale/Salary of Vermiculturist

The salary of a Vermiculturist is not specific for one who is self-employed and runs his own business. The income and profit depend on the quality of compost manufactured and sold in the market.

Books & Study Material to Become Vermiculturist

Following are some of the best books related to Vermiculture: -

• The Worm Book For Beginners by Frank Randall
• Vermiculture and Vermicomposting by Peter Davies
• Manual of On-Farm Vermicomposting and Vermiculture By Glenn Munroe
• The Complete Technology Book on Vermiculture and Vermicompost by  NPCS Board of Consultants and Engineers 
• Vermiculture Technology Clive A. Edwards, Norman Q. Arancon, Rhonda L. Sherman

Pros of becoming a Vermiculturist

• The career gives an opportunity to get self-employed and run their own business
• Scope for growth in career is broad as the need of organic farming is high but skilled people are less in the country

Cons of becoming a Vermiculturist

• The candidate will have to deal with various types of worms and species that would increase the fertility of the soil.
• The candidate must be open to work for a long time and must have an alert mind.