SHG members manage Jeypore municipality’s drive to produce compost

Koraput: In a major step towards sustainable waste management, Jeypore municipality in Koraput district has been converting wet household waste into organic fertiliser through its four micro composting centres (MCCs), producing nearly four tonnes of compost every month. The initiative is managed by 32 women from four self-help groups (SHGs), who oversee the entire process from segregation to composting, packaging and sale."The initiative not only addresses the growing challenge of urban waste but also empowers women and supports sustainable agriculture," said Akavaram Sasya Reddy, executive officer of the municipality.The compost, sold at an affordable price of Rs 10 a kg, is witnessing increased demand, particularly from govt departments such as agriculture, horticulture, forest, watershed and the Coffee Board."There is very high demand, and currently, we are unable to meet the supply," Reddy said, underlining the region's rising interest in chemical-free farming practices. In response, the municipality plans to scale up production. Officials are enhancing waste collection efforts in both household and market areas and are preparing to launch a public awareness campaign focused on better waste segregation at the household level."If more residents start separating wet and dry waste at source, we can significantly boost our composting potential," Reddy said. Sanitation expert Raj Sekhar Rao highlighted the existing infrastructure, stating that 16 small battery-operated vehicles, 40 pushcarts, and 10 light motor vehicles (LMVs) are currently engaged in collecting waste from 28 wards in Jeypore town."Currently, our facilities have the potential to produce 10 to 12 tonnes of fertiliser. But due to limited waste input, we are operating below capacity. To bridge the gap, 10 additional LMVs have been ordered to enhance waste collection and, in turn, increase fertiliser production," said Reddy.