Abstract

This paper systematically reviews various applications, economic advantages, and development prospects of vetiver, which is believed to serve many sectors as an industrial commodity. Its robustness to multi-environment and multi-soil situations makes it a valuable instrument for environmental protection, especially for the control of soil erosion and soil stabilization, as well as phytoremediation. In addition, it has significant economic value for use in perfume production, mainly due to its distinct and exotic fragrance, and offers great promise for biofuel production and agroforestry. According to economic analysis, there might be several opportunities in terms of economies of scale for vetiver culture and processing that can enhance profitability and local economies. Those benefits will depend on land availability and initial investment capital necessary for vetiver development, as well as upon the demand of end users and current regulations at play in the countries. Future research and development efforts should be put in place to optimize the vetiver culture and processing to yield high quantities of essential oil at low cost. Moreover, the review highlights the immense research potential of vetiver, particularly in the field of phytoremediation and biofuel productions, cultivation of food/horticultural crops for erosion control, carbon sequestration, perfumery, other agricultural applications, multidisciplinary socio-economic impact studies and human health benefits. Vetiver’s inherent versatility and adaptability can pave the way for a better understanding of a multifaceted, interdisciplinary platform for sustainable, eco-friendly research-based strategies and future technological innovations that would act as a blueprint for environmentally and economically sustainable solutions between the earth and its inhabitants. The results accentuate the fact that there is a need for more scientific studies as well as utilization of the crop for fruitful output, hence paving the way for a better and more economically viable future.

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