Government sets ambition of 1,000 acres, launch planned for June–July

Chhattisgarh is preparing to script a new chapter in sustainable agriculture. The state government, in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh Tribal Local Health Traditions & Medicinal Plants Board, has announced an ambitious plan to expand vetiver cultivation to 1,000 acres, beginning in June–July. At the helm of this initiative is JACS (J.V.S.) Rao, retired IFS officer and CEO of the Board, whose vision has transformed sandy wastelands into fragrant fields of prosperity.

This initiative is not merely about planting a crop; it is about redefining the relationship between land, livelihood, and environment. Vetiver, long known as a miracle plant, is now being positioned as the cornerstone of Chhattisgarh’s agricultural renaissance.

Vetiver: The Miracle Plant

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), locally called khas, is celebrated as a miracle plant, miracle community, and miracle tree. Its extraordinary properties have turned barren landscapes into fertile ground. Vetiver conserves soil moisture, ensuring resilience in arid conditions. Known as the “bionailing crop,” its roots penetrate deep into the earth, forming microtunnels that anchor the soil and prevent erosion. In doing so, vetiver plays a vital role in checking land degradation, making it an ecological engineer as much as an agricultural commodity.

The plant’s versatility extends far beyond its environmental benefits. Vetiver oil, distilled from its roots, is a rare and irreplaceable commodity. Scientists confirm that its molecular structure cannot be developed synthetically, making natural vetiver oil indispensable to global perfumery and incense industries. Its shelf life is remarkable, ensuring long-term value. The roots themselves are multipurpose: they can be used for handicrafts, thatching, and even integrated into agroforestry models. Vetiver thus delivers three-dimensional benefits—environmental renewal, soil moisture conservation, and livelihood generation.

Oil Beyond Compare

The demand for vetiver oil is immense, stretching across industries from perfumery to aromatherapy. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that no laboratory has ever succeeded in replicating its molecular structure. This makes vetiver oil not only rare but also irreplaceable. Farmers in Chhattisgarh are now part of a global value chain, supplying a product that commands respect and premium prices in international markets.

The roots, once harvested, are not wasted. They are repurposed into handicrafts, woven into mats, and used for thatching, ensuring that every part of the plant contributes to livelihood. The upper body of the plant is replanted, creating a cycle of sustainability at no additional cost. Vetiver is not just a crop—it is a complete ecosystem of value.

Scaling Success

Already, 100 acres have been covered, and by the end of May, profits of Rs 50 lakh are expected. This is only the beginning. With the government’s ambition of 1,000 acres, the scale of transformation will be unprecedented. Farmers are discovering that vetiver requires minimal input yet yields abundantly. The model is designed to be self-sustaining: the upper body of the plant is reused for replanting, eliminating the need for fresh investment.

Agroforestry models with Sissu are being integrated, diversifying income streams and enhancing ecological balance. This combination of vetiver and companion crops ensures that farmers are not only earning profits but also building resilience against climate variability.

Leadership and Vision

The initiative is strengthened by the leadership of the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, who is working in tandem with the Board to ensure that farmers’ incomes rise steadily. This partnership between government, scientific leadership, and grassroots communities is creating a model that blends tradition with modern agribusiness.

“Vetiver is not just a plant—it is a miracle value chain,” said JACS (J.V.S.) Rao. “It restores land, empowers farmers, and delivers products that global markets cannot replicate. Our ambition of 1,000 acres is not just about cultivation—it is about creating a sustainable economy rooted in resilience.”

The Road Ahead

By June–July, the expansion to 1,000 acres will mark a milestone in Chhattisgarh’s agricultural renaissance. With profits already visible, ecological benefits undeniable, and global demand insatiable, vetiver is poised to become the cornerstone of rural prosperity.

This initiative is more than a farming project—it is a movement. A movement that blends environmental stewardship with economic empowerment, turning wasteland into wealth and roots into resilience.

Vetiver is Chhattisgarh’s Green Gold. A miracle for the soil, a miracle for the farmer, and a miracle for the future.

— Suchetana Choudhury (suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com)