The Social Forestry wing has embarked on a project that is aimed at enhancing the rural economy of tribal residents in Vithura.
Around 15,000 saplings of vetiver (Ramacham) were recently planted on a 200-metre stretch along the banks of the Vamanapuram river that came under the Palode forest range. The endeavour was undertaken as part of the river-bank stabilisation efforts. While the prime goal of the project is to prevent soil erosion by utilising the soil binding and drought-hardy medicinal herb, it also provides a spin-off benefit of empowering local residents.
According to J.R. Ani, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry), Thiruvananthapuram, while the plants will be maintained by the Forest Department for a period of three years, the tribal community in Thalathuthakavu will be permitted to harvest the vetiver roots through the Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS).
Value-added products
The fragrant ‘Khus’ oil extracted from the roots can be sold through the Vanasree outlets and other establishments. While vetiver oil is used as perfume, the roots are normally used for medicinal preparations and for several value-added products.
As many as 6,000 vetiver seedlings had also been distributed among the members of the local community to be planted in their respective land holdings. The ₹7.8-lakh project, which was formally launched by Forest Minister K. Raju, has been funded by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.
Meanwhile, the Social Forestry wing has also been holding talks with the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) over a proposal to plant vetiver saplings along the banks of a percolation pond at the Bio360 Life Sciences Park in Mangalapuram.
