Krishi Jagran at Seventh International Conference on Vetiver: 40% of World's Farmers are in India, Says Founder of Vetiver Network International Dr Jim Smyle

Thailand is celebrating the Seventh International Conference on Vetiver (ICV-7). Vetiver grass species are quite dominant in Thailand named Vetiveria zizaniodes. It grows very fast and has the ability to stop soil erosion. It ensures sediment control, and conserves water, maintain land stabilization, and rehabilitation. The Vetiver System (VS), originally known as the Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT) is a low cost technology used for soil and water conservation and environmental protection.

Rationale Behind Seventh International Conference on Vetiver

“We started in 1995. The most powerful thing we can do with this event is make people aware of the opportunities. Because people are looking for an answer. It is a slow strategy. It is based on getting more information and making people aware of it and finding those people who can become champions in their country. People can bring change,” Dr Jim Smyle, President and Chairman of the Vetiver Network International (TVNI) told Dr CK Ashok, Founder of an NGO, First World Community.

While learning about the launch of a special edition of Krishi Jagran’s June edition of the Agriculture World, he said, “40% of the world's farmers are in India, and getting that message out there is like taking it to another level.”

Moreover, he said that India is an extremely important opportunity for people who possess a huge potential in the field of agriculture.

He also acknowledged that this event is not just a celebration of environment and conservation methods, but also about budding young environmentalists who have a story to share. “We only do this during the conference that we award and recognize people who have done commendable work to make people aware,” he said.

The awards have been given to people from Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, etc. More than “two dozen countries have participated in the event,” he added. The awards were given to those who submitted a video and to persons who are champions in their countries and creating global impact with their work. People from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, among others, have participated in the event.

The winner has been selected after a public vote on the social media channel TVNI.

The Power of Technology

Realizing the potential of technology, Mr. Jim said that millions of applications and facilities are being provided to people to adapt and evolve despite the ongoing climate change.

“It is a simple technology once you understand, you can apply it. It can be utilized for contaminated soil, water, can stabilize infrastructure, disasters, medications, and fields that are more drought resistant,” he said.

He informed that there are millions of applications being developed against climate change in Africa and India. “Whole world is looking at climate change and its adaptations. Many research papers have been published on many of its aspects,” he said.