Vermiculture, Fisharies - Introduction

• Vermiculture/ Vermiculture is cultivation of earthworms for decomposing organic waste into nutrient rich fertilizer.

• Earthworms eat cow dung or farm yard waste matter from animals that is spread over or mixed with the soil along with other farm wastes and pass it through their body and during this process convert it into vermicompost. Household and municipal waste, non-toxic solid and liquid waste of industries can also be converted into vermicompost in this method.

• Vermicompost is the excreta of earthworm, which is rich in humus. It is an important method of converting waste material to wealth by using cheap eco friendly option and keeping the environment healthy.

• Besides worm castings, Vermicompost includes bedding materials and organic wastes at different stages of decomposition. This composting process holds worms at various stages of development and other microorganisms as well.

• Earthworms are considered as the biological indicators of soil fertility and soil biodiversity.

• Earthworms improve physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.

• The three types of Earthworm species are (i) Epigeic species, Endogeic species, Anecic species.

• Advantages of Vermicomposting: Eco-friendly natural fertilizer; doesn’t have any adverse effect on soil, plant or environment; improves soil aeration and texture; improves water retention capacity of soil; improves root growth and nutrient absorption; develop nutrient condition of soil

• The term FISHERY applies to collection, raising, preservation, harvesting and marketing of various products received from water. Fisheries can be saltwater or freshwater, wild or farmed.

• The products may be fishes, mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, pearls, etc. and any aquatic animal. There are commercial, recreational or subsistence values associated with fisheries.

• Pisciculture involves the breeding of fish, as a hobby or for scientific or commercial purposes under controlled conditions.

Vermiculture and Fisheries has been added to various intermediate, B. Sc. and entrance examination syllabus as a prime subject. It has been inculcated as a subject in 12th Science syllabus of Maharashtra State Board syllabus. Thus a must study for MHT-CET aspirants. Further University of Pune, drafted in its Syllabus "Vermiculture and its importance, useful species for vermiculture, methods of vermiculture" with amendments which was implemented from June 2009. SANT GADGE BABA  AMRAVATI UNIVERSITY, AMRAVATI  offers certificate course in “vermiculture” under the career oriented programme. Maris Stella College, Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh, offers certificate courses in Vermiculture. Civil Service Syllabus too has vermiculture added in it. Vermiculture technologies are emerging as a prime career option and play a major role at the Centre of Science and Environment today. Find some useful MCQs on Vermiculture and fisheries for your study preparation.