Shimla | July 2026
A six-day training-cum-workshop on biofertilizer and vermicompost production was successfully conducted from June 28 to July 3, 2026, at Komic village in the Spiti Valley of Lahaul-Spiti district, one of the world’s highest inhabited villages. The programme was organised under a research project funded by the Tribal Development Board, Government of Himachal Pradesh, with the objective of promoting sustainable agriculture and livelihood opportunities in tribal regions through innovative biotechnology.
The workshop was led by Dr. Neelam Kumari, Assistant Professor, Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Summer Hill, Shimla, who is the Principal Investigator of the research project titled “Production of Biofertilizers and Vermicompost from Psychrophilic Microbes and Earthworms through Management of Biowaste for Sustainable Livelihood in Tribal Regions of Himachal Pradesh.” The project is jointly coordinated with Dr. Ravi Kant, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, HPU, serving as the Co-Principal Investigator, along with a dedicated research team.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Neelam Kumari highlighted that the project focuses on developing cold-tolerant (psychrophilic) microbial biofertilizers and earthworm-based vermicomposting technologies specially designed for the harsh climatic conditions of high-altitude tribal areas like Spiti. She explained that conventional microbial formulations often fail to survive in sub-zero temperatures, making it essential to develop locally adapted biological solutions for sustainable farming.
The project also aims to transform locally available agricultural and household biowaste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizers, thereby reducing farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers, improving soil fertility, and creating additional livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.
During the workshop, local farmers, women Self-Help Group (SHG) members, rural youth, and representatives from agricultural extension agencies actively participated in hands-on practical sessions. The participants received training on:
Scientific segregation and management of biodegradable waste.
Preparation and maintenance of vermicompost pits.
Use and inoculation of cold-adapted microbial cultures.
Production of biofertilizers suitable for high-altitude farming.
Maintenance of vermicompost units under extreme winter conditions.
Techniques for improving soil health and enhancing organic crop production.
The participants were also provided technical guidance for establishing vermicomposting units in their villages to ensure long-term adoption of the technology. Experts explained that the use of psychrophilic (cold-loving) microorganisms, isolated from Himalayan ecosystems, makes the technology uniquely suitable for the Trans-Himalayan region where temperatures remain below freezing for several months each year.
The workshop emphasized that such climate-resilient technologies can significantly contribute to organic farming, sustainable waste management, conservation of fragile mountain ecosystems, and climate-resilient agriculture. Participants expressed keen interest in adopting these technologies for cultivating crops such as green peas, barley, potatoes, and medicinal plants, which are widely grown in the Spiti region.
Members associated with the ATMA Project and other local stakeholders appreciated the initiative and acknowledged its potential to improve agricultural productivity while promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Concluding the programme, Dr. Neelam Kumari expressed gratitude to the Tribal Development Board, Himachal Pradesh, for providing financial support to the project. She informed that similar capacity-building programmes and follow-up field visits will be organised in other villages of Spiti to facilitate wider dissemination and adoption of biofertilizer and vermicomposting technologies among tribal farming communities.
The workshop marks an important step towards integrating scientific innovation, indigenous resources, and sustainable agricultural practices for strengthening livelihoods and promoting eco-friendly farming in the high-altitude tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh.
