After deliberation on the possible sites, the group decided to transfer the set-up in Quezon province, this time using an abandoned pig pen at the backyard of one of the incorporators. All activities were done manually. No workers were hired since the incorporators would like to have first hand experience in vermicomposting. As production increases too much time was devoted to raw materials preparation. A mechanical shredder was then developed to lessen the labor. Two workers were also trained and eventually hired. With the increase in production of vermicompost, the company decided to venture into farming.
The Company prepared experimental plots in 500-square meter farm lot which is part of the 3 hectare coco-rice land owned by the grandmother of one of the incorporators. Experiments were done to determine the responses of rice and vegetables to vermicompost application. Rice yield was lower than that produced by conventional method. Initially, crops had very early flowering and fruiting stage. Harvested fruits were very small and leaves showed pest and disease infestation. The crops eventually recovered with the continuous application of vermicompost until desired size of fruits have been harvested. Fruit-bearing period was observed to be longer than those described in the literature for these crops.
Wormbeds were also set-up using bamboo poles as sidings. Various raw material combinations were prepared using agricultural wastes generated at the farm. The vermicompost was submitted for analysis. The soils expert recommended some changes to be made in order to improve the quality of the product.
Staff training was conducted through exposure trips in plant propagation in a plantation setting.
The difficulties experienced helped the company to have greater understanding of this technology. From trainees, 3 of the incorporators have evolved to become trainors in this field. Click Here
The Company maintains its linkage with vermicomposting advocates and practitioners in Negros Occidental where the incorporators had their first exposure on this technology. It has established partnership with a Japanese non-governmental organization - Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) International, in the implementation of a municipal-wide biodegradable waste management project using vermicomposting technology. Another 2.5 hectare farm at the base camp of Mount Banahaw was chosen as application area. Various combinations of raw materials were prepared in the production of vermicompost. These were submitted for analysis. The efficacy was tested on different types of plants. The project of OISCA ended in September of 2007. The Company decided to continue what was started. The organic farm project was supported by the owner of the land. The farm is being prepared for organic certification. Click Here
Two of the incorporators were invited to share the vermicomposting technology in Southwest China. During the first visit on second quarter of 2007, the Company saw an opportunity to venture in the large scale production of organic grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts in Southwest China. A feasibility study was done on the second visit, i.e. the last quarter of the year. Participation in the Canton Trade Fair (on-going when we arrived in Guanzhou) also provided us with valuable information on flourishing businesses in China... Click Here
