Kobani launches 2 local organic fertilizer projects to support agriculture

In a move aimed at strengthening agricultural self-sufficiency, reducing production costs, and recycling plant waste into products that support the agricultural sector, the Environment Committee in the city of Kobani has launched two projects to produce locally made organic fertilizers.

The projects include the production of peat-based fertilizer derived from plant waste, alongside vermicompost produced through earthworm cultivation. Both products are expected to be distributed to agricultural nurseries at the start of next spring after completing the production and preparation stages.

The peat fertilizer project relies on collecting plant residues and fallen leaves during autumn, which are then decomposed and composted before being dried and shredded under sunlight. The resulting organic fertilizer improves soil fertility, enhances water retention, and increases soil aeration. Following successful trials in nurseries, it will be distributed to farmers.

At the same time, the committee has begun producing vermicompost by raising special species of earthworms that feed on household and agricultural organic waste. The process produces a nutrient-rich fertilizer containing beneficial microorganisms, suitable for nurseries as well as vegetable and tree cultivation, and known for its rapid absorption by plants.

Agricultural engineer Nisreen Kerao, who supervises the projects, said the main objective is to utilize local resources by transforming plant waste that was previously discarded into organic fertilizers that benefit agricultural land. She added that earthworm fertilizer production was launched in parallel after successful initial trials on one farm.

Kerao explained that peat fertilizer improves soil structure and helps retain moisture during the summer, while vermicompost nourishes plants and promotes healthy seedling growth.

She confirmed that the committee is currently producing sufficient quantities of both fertilizers to ensure they are ready for distribution to farmers at the beginning of next spring.

She also encouraged farmers to expand the use of organic fertilizers and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, stressing that organic alternatives help preserve soil fertility and produce healthier crops at lower long-term costs.

The two projects are expected to strengthen environmental sustainability by recycling plant waste, reducing dependence on imported fertilizers, and creating employment opportunities in waste collection, sorting, fertilizer production, and packaging, thereby supporting agricultural development across the region. 

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ANHA