Khus Grass | Vetiver Grass | Swadeshi Farm Products Repository

Common Name

Khus Grass / Vetiver Grass

Native

South India

Root Depth

3–4 m (10–13 ft)

Life

50+ years

Vetiver Grass — Khus

Vetiver Grass is presented in the supplied source as a plant native to South India. It is now grown in more than 100 countries, while the source identifies the Indian sterile variety as the preferred form.

Its exceptional root system, long life and resilience make it useful far beyond its traditional association with khus cooling and fragrance.

The plant is described as a non-invasive bunchgrass with very deep roots, drought tolerance and the ability to grow across a wide pH range.

Indigenous Plant Resource

Vetiver Grass and Khus Grass illustration from supplied source

Supporting illustration for Khus Grass / Vetiver Grass. The complete illustration is displayed without cropping so all botanical, root-system and usage information remains visible.

1. Crop Details

1.5–3 mPlant height

3–4 mRoot depth

pH 3–12Tolerance stated in source

50+ yearsLong-lived bunchgrass

The source describes Vetiver as capable of growing almost anywhere because of its broad pH tolerance and highlights its drought resilience and deep rooting system.

2. Key Characteristics

Drought Tolerant

Resilient under dry conditions and requiring comparatively low water.

Pest & Disease Resilient

The source describes Vetiver as resilient to pests and diseases.

Soil Improvement

Its root system improves soil structure and helps hold soil in place.

Non-Invasive

Identified as a non-invasive bunchgrass in the supplied material.

Deep Root System

Roots can reach 3–4 metres, giving the plant exceptional anchoring ability.

Long-Lived

The source gives a life of more than 50 years.

From Grass to Infrastructure

Vetiver's deep roots make it a natural tool for soil conservation, slope stabilization, flood control and climate-resilient land management.

3. Traditional & Core Uses

Soil Conservation

Stabilizes slopes and helps prevent landslides.

Flood Control

Acts as a natural vegetative barrier.

Essential Oil

Oil from roots is used in perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy.

Khus Mats

Traditional mats provide natural evaporative cooling when sprinkled with water.

4. Regional Indian Names

Hindi / Urdu: Khus

Tamil: Vettiver

Telugu: Vattiveru

Malayalam: Ramacham

Kannada: Vetivera

Marathi: Vala

5. High-Value Commercial Uses

Perfumery — “King of Vetiver”

The source describes vetiver as a base note in 90% of western perfumes, including Chanel No. 5 and Dior, and notes its fixative property.

Aromatherapy

Described as calming and grounding, with export-market oil value stated at ₹15,000–25,000/kg.

Paan & Sharbat

Khus syrup is identified as a Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh summer drink and natural coolant.

6. Climate & Infrastructure

Bio-engineering

The source states that National Highways and railways use Vetiver for slope stabilization instead of concrete, with a stated cost of one-tenth.

Carbon Sequestration

The source states that roots can lock 10–15 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year and may be eligible for carbon credits.

Wastewater Treatment

Vetiver is described as absorbing sewage and industrial effluent.

Windbreak

As a boundary hedge, the source states it can cut wind speed by 50% for vegetable crops.

Monsoon Protection

Farm boundaries can be planted to help stop soil loss during monsoon.

Geotextiles

Root mats can be woven into Vetiver geotextiles for landslide control.

7. Farm & Home Uses

Natural Pest Repellent: Roots repel white ants and moths; the source suggests keeping them in cupboards with clothes.
Mulch: Leaves can be used as mulch for mango and turmeric; the source states they retain 40% more moisture and suppress weeds.
Young Fodder: Tender leaves up to 45 days old are described as cattle fodder with 6–8% protein.
Mushroom Substrate: Dried leaves can be used as substrate for oyster mushroom.
Thatching: Roofs and walls in Assam and Kerala use the material and are described as staying cool.

8. Handicrafts & Livelihood

Khus Tatti & Mats

Traditional products for cooling and household use.

Fans, Baskets & Dolls

Craft products suitable for artisan and women SHG livelihood opportunities.

Jewellery

Vetiver material can be incorporated into handcrafted jewellery.

Incense Sticks

Value-added product opportunity through FPOs.

Soap

Potential value-added use of Vetiver fragrance and material.

Candles

Another value-added craft and livelihood application identified in the source.

9. Modern & Environmental Uses

Phytoremediation

The source cites a Mumbai Deonar landfill trial using Vetiver to control leachate.

Vetiver Geotextiles

Woven root mats can support landslide-control applications.

Boundary Planting

Planting Vetiver on farm boundaries can help reduce monsoon soil loss.

10. Myth & Reality

Myth: Like lemon grass, Vetiver spreads so quickly through fields that it becomes difficult to control.

Source context: The supplied material identifies Vetiver as a non-invasive bunchgrass. It therefore should not be treated as an aggressively spreading grass based on this myth.

11. Beware Points

While Growing & Harvesting

Do not harvest roots before 16–18 months; the source states immature roots have no oil/fragrance.
Roots reach 3–4 m. Digging needs care; the source recommends a fork rather than a tractor blade.
Do not plant near drains or walls because the source warns that roots can crack loose walls over years.

While Using Roots & Oil

Allergy: The source warns that pure Vetiver oil is strong and should not be applied directly to skin; it recommends dilution with coconut oil.
Pregnancy: The source advises avoiding khus sharbat / essential oil in the first trimester.
Cold nature: The source describes Khus as very cooling and advises against overuse with severe cold, cough or low body temperature.

While Using Khus Products

Dry mats in sunlight regularly during monsoon to reduce fungus risk.
Check khus sharbat for pure root extract because the source warns that market products may contain artificial green colour and sugar.
Check dried roots for mould smell before use.

Storage

Dry roots completely before storage to reduce fungus risk.
Keep oil away from children and eyes.

In Short

The supplied source's central message is simple: Vetiver is highly useful in the field, while roots and oil require sensible quantity, dilution and dry storage.

Swadeshi Significance

Khus Grass demonstrates how an indigenous plant can connect agriculture, land conservation, fragrance, cooling traditions, handicrafts, livelihood creation and modern environmental applications.

Its deep-rooted biology gives it a role that extends from farm boundaries and slopes to essential oil, khus mats, geotextiles and value-added products.

The source's identification of South India as its origin point, together with its many Indian regional names, places Vetiver within the wider story of Bharat's traditional plant knowledge.

Swadeshi Plant Heritage • Sustainable Resource • Livelihood

Other Farm Products Repository

Khus Grass / Vetiver Grass is structured as an individual detail page under Other Farm Products. Its applications can connect naturally with agriculture, environmental conservation, traditional products and rural livelihoods.

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