BIODIESEL
One
of the main crops currently being promoted for biodiesel
production in several countries, globally, is Jatropha
curcas. There have been substantial political and social
pressures to promote the growing of such crops (in particular
Jatropha curcas) in India, as a means of economic empowerment,
social upliftment and poverty alleviation within marginalized
communities There are a number of concerns regarding
the use of Jatropha curcas for the production of biodiesel.
These are, inter alia:
1.
potential invasiveness,
2. potential impact on hydrology,
3. economic viability,
4. potential social impact,
5. demand and marketability,
6. use and disposal of by-products,
7. suitable cultivation regions and requirements.
The
strategy to promote the crop should include evolving
optimum agronomic practices under irrigated and rainfed
cultivation. The yield potential may be recorded for
direct sowing of seeds and using cuttings. Proper extension
service would be crucial especially in the new areas.
To realise better returns marketing support at least
in the initial years would be necessary. Some arrangements
need to be made to ensure disposal of crop produce.
Finally, supply of healthy seeds/cutting would be an
important factor for the successful adoption and diffusion
of this new plantation crop enterprise.
The
capacity of Jatropha curcas to rehabilitate degraded
or dry lands, from which the poor mostly derive their
sustenance, by improving their water retention capacity,
makes it an instrument for up-gradation of land resources
and especially for helping the poor.
Here
are some benefits of cultivating Jatropha:
Jatropha
Plantation :
Jatropha is a hardy plant.
Well adopted to arid, semi-arid conditions.
Low fertility and moisture demand.
Grow on stony, shallow or even calcareous soil.
Propagated through seed or cuttings.
Tolerate to scanty to heavy rainfall.
Effect on Rural Economy :
Seed price Rs. 4/Kg.
Seed yield 3000Kg / hectare.
5 hectare plantation / family.
60,000 Rs / year income.
Additionally :
Waste lands converted to productive national assets.
Creation of jobs in downstream processing.
GAINFUL employment in rural sector.
