Bhubaneswar- Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has found a way to ease the rising cost of waste processing while also generating steady revenue—by producing and selling organic fertiliser branded as Mo Khata from the city’s garbage. Every year, around 1,100 tonnes of this compost are produced from the wet waste collected in the capital. Priced at Rs10 per kilogram, Mo Khata is sold across Odisha in 5 kg and 25 kg packets. In the last five years, BMC has earned over Rs1.55 crore from its sales.
Before hitting the market, the fertiliser undergoes quality testing at the Tissue Culture Laboratory in Baramunda under OUAT, where levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are assessed. Any deficiencies are corrected before packing, ensuring a market-ready product. Additional Commissioner N. Ganesh Babu stated that home delivery services have recently been introduced, with a dedicated mobile number for orders, and demand for the quality product continues to grow.
The journey began in 2020–21, when 34 metric tonnes were sold, generating Rs 6.8 lakh. Sales rose sharply in the following years 2021–22: 167.67 MT sold, earning Rs 33.53 lakh. 2022–23: 226.17 MT sold, earning Rs 45.23 lakh. 2023–24: 250.23 MT sold, earning Rs 50.04 lakh. 2024–25: 202.75 MT sold, earning Rs20.27 lakh.
According to BMC, the city collects around 800 metric tonnes of waste daily—384 MT wet and 416 MT dry. The wet waste is processed in 37 Micro Composting Centres (MCCs) using aerobic composting methods. Waste is segregated at source from households and markets, taken to baling centres, graded, treated with Effective Microorganism (EM) solution, and left to cure for 28–42 days before becoming finished compost.
To make Mo Khata easily accessible, BMC has set up a dedicated sales counter at Rajmahal Square and also sells directly from MCCs. Citizens can call the toll-free number 1929 for information or place orders. With its affordable price, assured quality, and new doorstep delivery, Mo Khata is steadily turning Bhubaneswar’s waste into a valuable resource.
