REGION OF IMPLEMENTATION 

v. Konstantov, Klichevsky district, Mogilev region

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOPICS

Economic Development and Growth
Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management

CONTENTS OF THE ACTIVITY

The objectives of the farm “Constanta Art” are focused on achieving sustainability and the use of environmentally friendly methods in agriculture. These include:

• Processing of organic waste. Using vermiculture to convert organic waste into vermicompost, which serves as a high-quality fertilizer, helping to reduce waste and improve soil health.
• Production of organic products. Introduction of organic farming methods for cultivating vegetables and herbs without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring safe products for consumers.
• Educational activities. Conducting seminars and workshops on vermiculture and organic farming for children and adults and raising awareness of the benefits of sustainable farming methods.
• Strengthening the community. Involving residents of Konstantov village and neighboring settlements in the production of organic products to enhance the economic well-being of the area.

Red Californian worms from the Research and Production Cooperative “GAMBIT” at the Central Design Bureau with Pilot Production of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus are used for vermiculture. All greenhouses are equipped with energy-saving heating and irrigation systems. The farm uses its own innovative technology for heating greenhouses – a gas-generating recovery device using low-grade fuel to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and reduce production costs. This approach not only promotes economic benefits, but also emphasizes the farm’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

KEY STEPS OF IMPLEMENTATION:

• Planning and initial investment. Determination of key development strategy, including farm specialization, selection of fertilization methods with an emphasis on vermiculture and the use of vermicompost to improve soil fertility, as well as an assessment of the amount of necessary costs to create the infrastructure of the farm and the first greenhouse.
• Legalization and expansion. Legalization of farming. Preparation of necessary documents for the operation of the farm, taking into account the following stages:
  • Preparatory stage. Choosing a legal address for the farm. Development of a business plan and activity program. Agreeing on the name and submitting an application for registration to the local executive committee.
  • Registration and receipt of documents. Preparation and submission of a set of documents for state registration. Obtaining a registration certificate and registration with regulatory authorities.
  • The final stage. Registration of land plot and its registration. Opening a current account and making a seal to start operating activities.
• Production optimization. Launch of the first greenhouse. Determining the most profitable types of vegetables and herbs for growing. Searching for sponsorship to expand and increase production capacity. Construction of new greenhouses, including ventilation and irrigation equipment, improvement of vermicomposting methods to increase the efficiency of the production process.
• Implementation of local innovations. Implementation of our own developments – gas generator units for heating greenhouses in order to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce production costs.
• Marketing and sales development. Organization of direct sales. Selling products directly through local markets and fairs to strengthen the brand and avoid speculation by unscrupulous competitors. Development of a pricing strategy to ensure rapid product turnover. Organization of events to promote vermiculture methods, the Worm Day eco-festival, training master classes and seminars.
• Expanding partnerships and planning for the future. Establishing partnerships with local authorities, enterprises, educational institutions to increase the market for eco-products. Diversification of farm income through the sale of vermicompost and its derivatives to narrow groups of consumers (fishermen, summer residents, etc.).

The initiative «Constant Art» demonstrates how innovation, collaboration and active community engagement can achieve agricultural and environmental excellence and improve the quality of life of local people.

RESULTS AND IMPACT OF THE INITIATIVE

The success of the initiative attracted the attention of entrepreneurs, teachers and researchers from different regions of the country, which indicates the significant contribution of the project to promoting the ideas of sustainable development and environmental education in practice.

The initiative of the vermifarm in Klichev gained wide support among the local population and led to the creation of a unique cultural phenomenon – the Worm Day eco-festival.

Organic products grown on the farm are in high demand among area residents. In one season, “Constant Art” is capable of growing more than 10 tons of cucumbers and other vegetable crops. The farm supplies fresh, organic vegetables to local canteens and educational institutions in the Klichev district.

4 people are employed on a permanent basis. From among local residents, up to 12 people are involved in seasonal work.

The work carried out on the site contributed to the widespread popularization of vermicultivation among the local population, as well as students of secondary school No. 2 in Klichev and the educational institution “Klichev State Agrarian-Technical College”.

Vermicultivation technology began to spread across many private farmsteads in the Klichevsky district, becoming a widely used practice for recycling organic waste and producing fertilizers. More than 500 people were trained in the basics of vermicomposting. With the support of the “Zhilkomhozom”, 167 vermicontainers were installed among residents of the area.

Information sources:

1. Arteco.by
2. Mogilevnews.by
3. Onliner.by