Kolkata: Entrepreneurs from districts have shown keen interest in cultivation of Vetiver grass, following discussion on its commercial values in the State MSME Conclave.
There was a thorough discussion on the effectiveness of planting Vetiver grass in the plenary session 3 on "Rural Entrepreneurship Hub".
During the discussion, C K Ashokkumar, who has intensively worked to promote the plantation of Vetiver grass, said: "It has both environmental and commercial values. There is high demand globally for Vetiver grass, that is originally from Tamil Nadu. The demand is of 400 tonnes across the globe and it is gradually growing."
It is now grown in 130 countries. First of all, it prevents soil erosion and its commercial significance comes when oil is extracted out of it. The residue after extraction of oil is used as raw material to make incense sticks.
France is a major buyer of Vetiver grass and the aroma extracted out of it is also in high demand.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has inaugurated a project called Sabujayan, where Vetiver grass will be planted along embankments to check soil erosion.
In Nadia, the grass is being planted along the banks of six rivers that pass through the district, covering an area of around 745 km.
The grass has already been planted along the river bank, covering an area of around 200 km. Around 76 nurseries have been set up to produce the grass, as bringing the grass from Tamil Nadu becomes a costly affair.
Taking cue from the success of the project in arresting soil erosion in Nadia, Vetiver grass is now being planted in East Midnapore and Howrah districts. Six distilleries will come up to extract oil from the grass, which will be exported.