Vetiver grass as a nature based solution for soil and water conservation in the Garhwal Himalaya
Kusum Pandey, Saurav Kumar, K. Chandra Sekar, Chandan Roy
Abstract
This study examines the grassroot perceptions surrounding the adoption of Vetiver grass ( Chrysopogon zizanioides ) as a sustainable solution for soil and water conservation in the Garhwal Himalaya. The study is based on responses from 260 respondents across multiple villages in the region, obtained through a multistage sampling approach, and uses descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages) and Pearson correlation as statistical tools. It assesses awareness levels, perceived benefits, barriers to adoption, and the key socio-economic factors influencing the use of vetiver grass in the Garhwal region. The analysis revealed that only 18.85% of respondents were both aware of and using vetiver, while over half (51.53%) had no awareness of the plant and its conservation potential. Although some respondents recognized vetiver’s contributions to soil fertility, fodder provision, and erosion control, a substantial proportion indicated uncertainty or limited knowledge about its benefits. Key barriers identified include a lack of technical support (58.85%), limited awareness (51.54%), and restricted access to planting materials (45%), with a significant portion of respondents unsure about the challenges they faced. These findings highlight a pressing need for targeted intervention, awareness programs, improved extension services, and strengthened supply chains to enable wider adoption. By addressing these gaps, vetiver can play a transformative role in promoting ecological restoration and enhancing sustainable rural livelihoods in the vulnerable regions of the Himalaya.