The Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh has prioritised biodegradable waste management as part of Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) Phase 2, establishing waste management infrastructure with 8,507 NADEP (a method of organic composting that produces fertiliser from organic materials) compost pits in 1,898 villages of 784 Gram Panchayats.

The success story of Chhindwara district found a mention in the Economic Survey. It has simultaneously fuelled a debate on the need for creation of a supply chain of the finished products from these units, particularly when farmers complain of difficulties in accessing organic manure, as compared to chemical fertilisers.

500 kg of compost

“Each NADEP pit is projected to yield 500 kg of compost per cycle, generating an estimated income of ₹30,000 annually for farmers through three composting cycles. This shift is expected to reduce dependency on chemical fertilisers, decrease costs, and enhance soil health, supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Future plans include expanding the deployment of NADEP pits, ensuring their optimal use, and establishing market linkages for compost,” the survey said.

Swachhata Drive

However, due to improper usage of these pits as community dustbins, the district initiated a comprehensive Swachhata Drive from May 1 to June 30; the initiative focused on enhancing awareness and promoting sustainable practices among rural communities. The survey said that community engagement and capacity-building programmes were instrumental in the initiative’s success and added that there was active participation of 68,050 stakeholders, including farmers, PRI members, and SHGs.

Extensive outreach efforts educated community members about the benefits of composting, while targeted training programmes equipped farmers and stakeholders with the knowledge to manage organic waste effectively. These efforts ensured the appropriate utilisation of cow dung and organic waste in NADEP pits, facilitating the production of high-quality compost.

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