Could Organic waste be a solution for food security in India? : an interview study on the opportunities and barriers of city compost adoption in Maharashtra

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify different barriers and opportunities that might be influencing farmers in their decision to adopt city compost. To identify relevant factors I conducted semi structured interviews with farmers and relevant stakeholders. My findings suggest that the main barriers for compost adoption are a lack of political initiative, the influence of fertiliser companies and the preference of farmers towards using other compost products. Furthermore, the low availability of city compost also needs to be addressed to avoid supply problems if adoption rates were to increase. Apart from this the promotion of Integrated nutrient management and organic farming as well as the increased use of soil testing were identified as potential opportunities to increase city compost adoption. The implications of my study suggest that farmers in Maharashtra are in need of further guidance and information about city compost to be convinced to implement it within their fertility management practices.