Vetiver grass

The Agriculture Ministry intends to plant 100km of Vetiver grass every year.

Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy has confirmed that planting of Vetiver grass is vital in an effort to stabilize riverbanks and for erosion control purposes.

He is also urging Non-Government Organizations, donors and other agencies to adopt the unique community base model and will be paid $12,200 per km or $12.20 per meter of Vetiver grass establishment.

Dr Reddy adds apart from this, the ministry also empowers the local community to address riverbank erosion through ecological means.

Meanwhile, he says Nevicovatu community in Tailevu has planted 400km of Vetiver along the river bank.