Have you ever considered earthworm farming as a source of income? Meet George Muturi Kamau, a young Kenyan entrepreneur who is reaping substantial profits from this little-known agricultural venture.
With a monthly income of over Ksh 45,000, and a well-designed vermiculture system, he harvests substantial quantities of vermicompost and vermiliquid every month, generating a steady income.
In this article, WoK delves deeper into Comfort Worms and Insects CEO’s George Muturi Kamau remarkable journey, unraveling the secrets behind his success in earthworm farming.
How It All Started
In 2013, after finishing secondary school, George Muturi Kamau found himself unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. However, his determination led him to discover a unique and profitable farming venture: earthworm farming.
Apart from making money, he is also inspiring others to embrace this lesser-known agricultural practice.
About Comfort Worms and Insects
He focuses on rearing earthworms and insects to produce organic vermicompost and larvae.
Through their diverse product offerings, including vermicompost, black soldier flies, Azolla, and training on vermiculture and vermicomposting, the company aims to empower farmers with affordable and sustainable solutions in the agricultural sector.
From Financial Hurdles to Agricultural Innovator
He began his foray into earthworm farming in 2015. This was after an encounter with an officer from the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) while purchasing black soldier fly eggs for his poultry farm.
Intrigued by the officer’s suggestion, Muturi seized the opportunity to explore vermiculture, an affordable and straightforward farming method.
Transforming Waste into Gold
Using a small portion of his family’s land in Lari, Kiambu County, Muturi constructed a simple structure worth just Ksh500. He then acquired starter worms from a fellow farmer for Ksh2,500. Earthworms, voracious consumers of household and farm waste, efficiently convert these materials into organic fertilizer called vermicompost.
This nutrient-rich vermicompost, along with vermiliquid, an organic foliar spray, enhances soil quality, provides vital nutrients to plants, and helps control pests and diseases.
Lucrative Harvests
With the ability to multiply rapidly, earthworm populations can increase from one kilogram (around 1500 worms) to a whopping 4000 kilograms within a year. Capitalizing on this exponential growth, Muturi harvests 100-150 kilograms of vermicompost and 80-100 liters of vermiliquid each month.
Selling vermicompost at Ksh70 per kilogram and vermiliquid at Ksh150 per liter, he earns a monthly income of approximately Ksh25,500. Additionally, Muturi sells 10 kilograms of worms to other farmers, adding another Ksh20,000 to his earnings.
Three-in-One Vermiculture System
To empower kitchen gardeners, Muturi developed a simple yet efficient three-in-one vermiculture system using three buckets. With just three 20-liter buckets, rabbit manure, and five kilograms of starter worms, aspiring farmers can easily rear worms, collect vermicompost, and obtain vermiliquid separately.
This user-friendly system ensures maximum efficiency and ease of use for beginners.
Empowering Farmers and Promoting Sustainability
George Muturi Kamau’s mission extends beyond his own success. Through Comfort Worms and Insects, he provides training on vermiculture and vermicomposting, equipping farmers with affordable and sustainable farming techniques.
By promoting good health, food safety, integrity, and commitment, Muturi aims to provide quality and affordable organic and protein solutions in the food and feed value chain.
