A Review on Optimizing Organic Waste Management and Income Generation through Vermicomposting and AI-Powered Vermicomposting: Insights from Guwahati, Assam

Urban India faces significant challenges in managing organic waste due to limited disposal facilities. Guwahati, a city in Northeast India, illustrates the potential of converting municipal solid waste (MSW) into energy. With an MSW generation rate of 0.7 kg per capita per day, the city could generate up to 30 MW of power. Guwahati's waste, which is 42.2% organic, is well-suited for composting. Composting, particularly through vermicomposting, offers a cost-effective solution supported by regional demand for organic fertilizer. This eco-friendly method not only diverts waste from landfills but also produces nutrient-rich manure, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the city's waste management system. This paper examines municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Guwahati city, emphasizing vermicomposting as an eco-friendly solution for household organic waste. By diverting waste from landfills, vermicomposting not only enhances sustainability but also fosters micro-entrepreneurship. Additionally, the paper explores how integrating Artificial intelligence (AI) into vermicomposting is a promising advancement, offering the potential to optimize processes, increase productivity, and improve compost quality. It describes traditional vermicomposting practices and the integration of AIpowered technologies for enhanced efficiency. This is an effort to explore how use of AI-driven systems invite improvement in composting conditions, boost productivity, and support small-scale farmers.