JATROPHA-FUTURE BIODIESEL FOR INDIA

JATROPHA-FUTURE BIODIESEL FOR INDIA

Introduction:

The oil plant Jatropha curcas (L) (Jatropha) or physic nut is a multipurpose and drought resistant large shrub or small tree. Although a native of tropical America, it now thrives throughout Africa and Asia. It grows in a number of climatic zones in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and can be grown in areas of low rainfall and problematical sites. Jatropha is easy to establish, grows relatively quickly and is hardy. Being drought tolerant, it can be used to reclaim eroded areas, be grown as a boundary fence or live hedge in the arid/semi-arid areas.
The wood and fruit of Jatropha can be used for numerous purposes including fuel. The seeds of Jatropha contains (. 50% by weight) viscous oil, which can be used for manufacture of candles and soap, in the cosmetics industry, for cooking and lighting by itself or as a diesel/paraffin substitute or extender. This latter use has important implications for meeting the demand for rural energy services and also exploring practical substitutes for fossil fuels to counter greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere.
These characteristics along with its versatility make it of vital importance to developing countries subjected to decreasing tree cover and soil fertility because of increasing population and development pressures. Nearly half the world’s poorest people live on marginal lands with the number expected to increase from 500 million to 800 million by 2020. These areas are by definition isolated and fragile, with soils susceptible to erosion and subjected to environmental stresses of deforestation, prolonged droughts, and decreasing soil and ground water. Although southern Africa is rich in biodiversity and production potential, large areas are under semiarid and arid conditions with a moderate-to-high risk of drought. Plants species like Jatropha that can grow on lands not usually attractive for agriculture and supply raw material for industry, fuels for basic energy services and improve environment are therefore an obvious choice that needs to be assessed carefully and comprehensively.
Jatropha is not browsed, for its leaves and stems are toxic to animals, but after treatment, the seeds or seed cake could be used as an animal feed. Being rich in nitrogen, the seed cake is an excellent source of plant nutrients. Various parts of the plant are of medicinal value, its bark contains tannin, the flowers attract bees and thus the plant has honey production potential. Like all trees, Jatropha removes carbon from the atmosphere, stores it in the woody tissues and assists in the build up of soil carbon.
Despite these characteristics, the full potential of Jatropha is far from being realized. There are several reasons – technical, economic, cultural and institutional—that need further discussion and examination. The growing and management of Jatropha, either on private public or community lands is poorly documented and there is little field experience that is being shared, especially in southern Africa. Currently, growers are unable to achieve the optimum economic benefits from the plant, especially for all its various uses. The markets for the different products have not been properly explored or quantified, nor have the costs or returns (both tangible and intangible) to supply raw materials or products to these markets. Consequently, the actual or potential growers including those in the subsistence sector do not have an adequate information base about the potential and economics of this plant to make decisions relating to their livelihood, not to mention its commercial exploitation.
It is therefore timely to examine the potential role that Jatropha can play in meeting some of the needs for energy services for rural communities and also creating avenues for greater employment. It is important that the discussion on the exploration of potential of Jatropha should include the multiple stakeholders involved in research, utilization and exploration of this oil plant including government officials, NGOs, private sector, etc. Most importantly representatives of local communities must be included to examine any existing or latent demand for the plant to determine the framework for any future initiative based on the outcome of the discussions on the potential of Jatropha curcas. Hence this workshop.


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