The Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology (COXBIT), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, conducted a training programme entitled "Vetiver Cultivation in Terrace Garden" on May 17th, 2025. A total of 50 participants, including entrepreneurs, farmers attended and benefited from the training.
Dr. E. Kokiladevi, Professor and Head, Department of Plant Biotechnology, TNAU in her inaugural address, highlighted the features, objectives and activities of the Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology. Vetiver deep root system aids in preventing soil erosion and can assist in purifying soil and water, making it a valuable addition to urban green spaces. It helps in retaining essential soil nutrients by preventing their loss through erosion, she added.
Mr. S.K Babu, Project Director, M/s. Eco Green Unit, Coimbatore, during his training session, the vettiver cultivation for sustainable agriculture and environmental benefits. In his elaborative talk, he explained in detail regarding the benefits of vetiver and the cultivation practises for the benefit of farmers. Vettiver is a hardy grass gaining recognition for its diverse applications. Vetiver roots are known for their pleasant fragrance, and the extracted oil is widely used in perfumes, soaps and aromatherapy. The accumulation of organic matter from vetiver's leaf and root biomass provides a habitat for soil microfauna and flora, which play a vital role in nutrient cycling and availability. Vetiver has been observed to act as a biological pest control agent. It can deter certain pests from attacking crops, thereby reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier agro-ecosystem. Integrating vetiver into farming systems can improve soil health, enhance environmental resilience, and contribute to long-term sustainability.
During the interactive session, participants engaged with Mr. S.K. Babu on various aspects of vetiver cultivation, including the need for training, the type of pipes used for growing, export, value-added products, cultivation difficulties, tracking root weight, the process of selling the product, compost sourcing, and the potential for generating income before the seven-month maturity period. It would be great if there were additional ways to earn income during the waiting period, perhaps through selling smaller products or diversifying into other crops. It’s worth exploring if there are any short-term opportunities within this cultivation setup, were discussed.
Earlier, Dr. V. Rajan Babu, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Biotechnology, TNAU, welcomed the gathering. Finally, Mrs. T. Brinda, E-YUVA Coordinator, Department of Plant Biotechnology, TNAU proposed the vote of thanks.