The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has joined hands with all 77 provinces across the country in planting 7.2 million saplings of vetiver grass in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty's six-cycle, or 72nd, birthday anniversary.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn on 10 August 2024 presided over the launching of the planting ceremony, organized by the Land Development Department, at Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Mr. Artthakorn said that His Majesty King Rama X intended to carry forward the legacy of His Majesty’s royal father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX), who was the model in the conservation of natural resources and the environment.

King Rama IX discovered that vetiver grass, with its long, penetrating roots, works well in preventing topsoil erosion. The King used this kind of grass, referred to as “miracle grass,” for soil and water conservation and environmental improvement.

Vetiver grass is a sturdy, easy-to-cultivate plant with a dense root system. Planting this type of grass along all contours, on sleep slopes, in particular, serves to prevent erosion by wind and rain.  It is also recognized as a practical, economical, and efficient management and conservation tool to tackle soil erosion.

The Land Development Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has campaigned for the use of vetiver grass, at the royal initiative, since 1993. The planting of vetiver grass has, so far, covered more than 18 million rai (7.2 million acres) of land nationwide.

The department organized the planting of 7.2 million saplings of vetiver grass to unite Thai people in a show of gratitude to His Majesty King Rama X on this special occasion and to encourage the people to be aware of the importance of vetiver grass for soil and water conservation.