Grub Composting Demo.

During first phase of the project species diversity of Scarabeaid beetles in 5 regions of Sindhudurg was studied. From studies it was revealed that Kudal and allied regions have greater diversity of beetle species. Further to this a detailed study in this region is necessary, as the potential to discover more species is comparatively high. The diverse regions need to be focused and thorough scanning is required for more species data. During initial phase the Grub compost made by larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros beetle using half decomposed plant biomass and dung was discovered and it was found to be manageable if set up like vermin-composting is provided. The initial laboratorial test results of Grub compost are very promising for its nutrient richness. Further the beneficial species of Scarabaeid beetles and their uses need to be introduced to the farmers along with their managing techniques.

The project is divided into following activities:

1. Collection of beetles:

A. Hand picking method

B. Traps

I. Light Trap

II. Pit fall trap

III. Flight intercept trap

2. Related Data collection

3. Laboratorial Work

4. Demo set up development

5. Farmer’s Training

6. Photo and video documentation of project

Expected outcomes:

1. The study will reveal population dynamics and dependent factors of Scarabaeid beetle fauna of the study region. The knowledge of population dynamics will provide the correlation amongst species and habitats.

2. Knowledge of distribution of Scarabaeid beetles will facilitate to understand the relation between Scarabaeid beetles, natural factors and anthropogenic factors.

3. Study on Grub compost made by Scarabaeid larvae will facilitate development of farmer friendly technique of compost production and their use in agriculture.

4. The hands on training workshop for farmers on sustainable agriculture and to produce compost by managing grubs of Scarabaeid beetle will help to establish the low cost, better and efficient practices of agriculture, which in turn will make the agriculture more profitable for small farmers.

5. Public awareness about importance of biological pest control and role of dung beetles in agriculture as well as nature would help in getting involvement of local people in protecting environment.

6. The correlation between the flora, fauna and Scarabaeid beetle diversity of different habitats will reveal the ecological status of the forest in the region. This will help in planning region specific conservation.