Home composting methods can help produce manure, reduce waste

Chennai: Have you ever wondered that the waste you dispose in the dustbin is full of micro-nutrients? In a span of two weeks, a household could produce over two kilos of manure through Khamba and Aaga pots, which are prominent home composting methods.

Every household (of four members) produces close to one kilo of waste, of which 90 grams makes up to organic and recyclable waste. If it is processed in the right manner, a lot of waste could be avoided.

“About 90 per cent of the waste generated is either organic or recyclable. While recyclable waste, which includes plastic and newspapers can be given away to scrap dealers, organic waste which is majorly kitchen waste and dry leaves could be put in Khamba, made of mud pots,” said P Natarajan of Namma Ooru Foundation and one of the distributors (He can be contacted at 9840987367)
Segregation at the source is essential. The three pots - placed one on top of the other which allows aerated composting - need to be filled with the segregated kitchen waste. “If the waste is wet, it should be mixed with saw dust or coir pit to absorb water content. Remix powder should be added to break down the organic molecules,” said Mangalam Balasubramanian, a promoter of Khamba pots.( She can be reached at 7358045081)

Aaga is a bigger version of Khambas, made of plastic, which is advisable for apartments and institutions. “Except for people without a shelter, it can be adopted by any household as all it takes is a small corner,” said Natarajan. The manure formed is rich in microorganisms, which improve soil fertility. It can be utilised for the garden, he added.