Mayor M. Anilkumar flagging off the first consignment of organic compost from the Kochi Corporation’s solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The first consignment of organic compost from the Kochi Corporation’s solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram to Dubai was flagged off on Monday (April 21), marking a significant step in the civic body’s pursuit of sustainable waste management. Mayor M. Anilkumar flagged off the consignment.

The compost, produced through an eco-friendly process using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, is being exported to the Dubai-based SSK Blending LLC for their vertical farming initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anilkumar emphasised that Brahmapuram no longer epitomises the Corporation’s waste management crisis.

“This is not the Brahmapuram that once made headlines for the wrong reasons, but rather one of hope, of change, and of global impact. From the inferno at the plant in Brahmapuram to exporting high-quality compost to Dubai, Kochi is showing the world what responsible governance and innovation can achieve,” he said.

The Mayor also lauded the role played by Health Standing Committee Chairman T.K. Ashraf and Babu Al Kadeer, the former secretary of the Corporation, in taking the campaign forward.

“This is a collective success. The transformation of Brahmapuram is a result of persistent effort, policy direction, and the will to turn things around. Today, one can walk — or even sleep — inside this waste processing facility, a stark contrast to what it was just a few years ago,” Mr. Anilkumar said.

The compost is produced by Fabbco Bio Cycle Pvt Ltd, which has been managing 50 tonnes of Kochi’s food waste daily for the past one and a half years. Through the innovative use of BSF larvae, the facility generates 10 tonnes of compost each day, now finding global value as a natural fertiliser.

“The Dubai-based company preferred insect frass — the excrement of insects — over ordinary compost. The larva-based, insect frass-driven composting system we follow at Brahmapuram ensures the fastest composting, completing the process within 11 to 12 days compared to other methods that take 40 to 50 days. Though the Dubai-based company explored various locations across India, the production volume was minimal. We now have a ready stock of up to 150 tonnes,” said P.V. Niyas, chief executive officer, Fabbco Bio Cycle.

A representative had also visited the unit at Brahmapuram. The sample that Fabbco sent matched the quality standards set by the company, leading to the placement of the order. The company follows a 16-layer stacking system using trays at Brahmapuram, which facilitates the treatment of 425 kg of food waste per six square feet — ensuring maximum productivity in minimal space, he said.