Organic fertilizer produced from fruit and vegetable waste at Thiri Mingala Market

 

AT Thiri Mingala Market, a major fruit and vegetable market in Hline Township, Yangon, EM Bokashi organic fertilizer — which can be used as a natural fertilizer in agriculture — is being produced daily from discarded market waste, including various fruits and vegetables, according to an official from the market.

“Since this is a produce market, we are producing Bokashi organic fertilizer to reduce waste disposal while also making organic waste reusable as natural fertilizer. We mainly use vegetables such as cabbage and other produce that decompose quickly and can be easily turned into compost. Since Thiri Mingala Market generates 80 to 100 tonnes of discarded waste per day, our organic fertilizer production has reduced the volume of waste transported by nearly half. At the same time, it provides a natural fertilizer that benefits agriculture. EM Bokashi is mainly used for long-term rather than short-term crop cultivation. Because it is a soil-conditioning fertilizer, it helps restore topsoil and improve soil quality. In farmland where chemical fertilizers have been used, if Bokashi fertilizer is applied in combination and the use of chemical fertilizers is gradually reduced, this natural fertilizer can transform the land into farmland with excellent soil quality,” said U Wai Lin, Branch Head of the Markets and Commodity Depots Department of Mayangon District.

While these discarded wastes are normally transported to the Hteinbin dump in Hlinethaya Township, the practice of setting aside an enclosed area within the market to process vegetable and fruit waste into EM Bokashi fertilizer has also reduced the need for garbage trucks to travel to the Hteinbin landfill.

There are 146 markets and four tax-free markets in Yangon. Although the production of fruits and vegetables directly generated from these markets is limited, they mainly distribute and sell produce sourced from Thiri Mingala Market and Danyingon Vegetable Market. In particular, because Thiri Mingala Market handles the largest volume of fruits and vegetables, it is able to produce organic fertilizer from discarded waste. This organic fertilizer helps restore soil quality and benefits rice farmers as an affordable natural fertilizer, improving soil nutrients in farmlands where chemical fertilizers have been used.

The organic fertilizer produced at Thiri Mingala Market is being used in rose and jasmine plantations in Mingaladon and Hmawby townships. Additionally, EM Bokashi fertilizer is used in plantations and parks for the beautification of markets in Yangon, and it is also being used as a primary natural fertilizer in white oyster mushroom cultivation.

Thitsa (MNA)/TH

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