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Vetiver to the rescue of river banks

MALAPPURAM: Malappuram district will soon adopt a unique method to protect the banks of its major rivers such as Bharatapuzha, Kadalundipuzha and Chaliyar. Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), better known by this perennial plant’s Malayalam name ramacham, will be planted on the banks of these rivers.

District Collector M.C. Mohandas said the Vetiver System Technology (VST) adopted as part of the river management programme of the district would be unique to Malappuram. No other district has experimented VST before.

He said vetiver was chosen for the purpose as it was capable of preventing soil erosion and natural disasters such as landslides and mudslides.

Native to India, Vetiver can withstand extreme alkalinity. This plant, though mainly used for perfumery, can also help improve soil fertility and facilitate ground water recharge.

According to studies, vetiver has high tolerance to drought and floods. It can grow even in saline conditions and can withstand flooding for long periods. Its long and strong roots have tolerance to insects and plant diseases.

Described among botanists as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of plants, vetiver can form a hedge when planted in rows.

It can effectively slow down soil erosion, said Mr. Mohandas.

The India Vetiver Network (INVN), a body affiliated to the Vetiver Network International (TVNI), will help the district administration in implementing the project.

Although the vetiver system was developed by the World Bank for soil conservation in India way back in the 1980s, Kerala has been reluctant to adopt this technology.

Kadalundipuzha and Bharatapuzha will get priority in the initial phase of the project.

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