An eco‐friendly management of organic waste by using exotic earthworms: A case study of revenue generation in Gandhi Zoological Park

Abstract

Before the start of vermicomposting, the large quantity of organic waste generated in the zoo was sold to the public at the rate of Rs. 500 per truck amount Rs. 9500 annually. However, the large profusion of waste was frequently left within the zoo premises imparting an ugly and unhygienic environment for the zoo. To make the park more attractive, self‐sustained (sold high‐quality vermicompost) and keep premises clean, a vermicomposting process was set up on a pilot basis. Vermicomposting of organic waste could have dual beneficial effects by generating an economically viable animal feed protein in the form of worm biomass while alleviating the negative effects of poor organic waste management. The aim of the study was the management of different organic wastes generated in the zoo by using exotic worms and makes the premises financially‐self dependent. The most dung‐producing animals in the zoo are herbivores and droppings of exotic birds are also included, on average below 200 kg or more waste is collected every week in the zoo. Analysis of different physico‐chemical properties of zoo vermicompost showed vermidegraded organic waste is a nutrient rich and eco‐friendly approach. Data were analyzed by using mean ± error.