August 25, 2023
PHNOM PENH – Earthworms, often viewed as simple soil-dwellers, are in fact rich in protein. These unsuspecting creatures not only enhance agricultural land but also serve as a nutritious feed for animals like chickens, ducks, pigs and frogs.
Farming these wrigglers is quite straightforward, demanding minimal effort and time. Those who delve into this venture not only bolster their farming methods but can also generate income by selling various breeds of earthworms.
In Svay Rieng province, one industrious farmer’s home-based earthworm enterprise has not only boosted her income but also inspired plans for expansion.
Huang Mealea, aged 32, embarked on her earthworm farming adventure at the close of 2020.
With her mother’s help, she began selling earthworms. Today, Mealea’s venture spans nearly 200 jerry cans, with plans for further growth.
She noticed the soil in her area lacked the richness of other regions. Her research revealed the potential of earthworms to rejuvenate the land and also feed her animals.
Although not formally trained in oligochaetology, or the study of earthworms, Mealea’s fervour for the field is evident. Drawing knowledge from earthworm sellers and online resources, she turned her passion into a thriving business.
“I quit my job during the pandemic and threw myself into vermiculture without any backing. While my family worried about the possible hardships, I’ve always been drawn to agriculture,” she shared.
On the topic of her farming techniques, Mealea mentioned her initial guidance came from an earthworm seller.
She later delved deeper, using online resources such as YouTube to refine her methods, continually bettering her approach with time.
Vermiculture, also known as earthworm farming, is a breeze, according to Mealea. She finds that the more she invests in this venture, the more she benefits.
Over time, her proficiency in managing these creatures has grown, convincing her that earthworm farming has more gains than pitfalls, and she’s keen to take her business to the next level.
At present, Mealea charges 10,000 riel ($2.50) for each kilogram of earthworms, which includes both their soil and feed.
“On an average, I sell over 100 kilogrammes of earthworms monthly,” she said.
Her sales fluctuate depending on whether she sells directly on social media platforms like Facebook or through merchants.
Inspired by her consistent earnings, this enterprising Svay Rieng farmer aims to expand. She’s considering adding another cage that can house an additional 100 jerry cans.
She’s also passionate about sharing the potential of earthworm farming with fellow farmers and those intrigued by vermiculture. She believes that these wrigglers can significantly cut down farming expenses.
“For all farmers out there, earthworms offer vast possibilities in agriculture, especially in composting and as animal feed. If you’re rearing animals, you need feed. If you’re growing crops, you need fertile ground. Earthworms meet both these demands and are cost-effective,” she shared.