Kalam backs jatropha farming in NE

GUWAHATI: President APJ Abdul Kalam has stated river basins in the North East are well-suited to cultivation of jatropha, a plant whose oil can be used as biofuel. “I am sure the North East can provide elite jatropha seeds with high oil content, not only for this region but for other states. Marketing of seeds itself could become a major wealth generating activity for this region,” he said. The plant does very well in wasteland and its oils is most suitable for bio-diesel, he added.

The president was speaking at a workshop-cum-exhibition on bio-diesel organised by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation here. He said the workshop aims to create awareness among the farmers about jatropha plantation and should facilitate use of quality seeds, available technology, seed crushing and extraction, oil esterification, blending, value addition and marketing for the same.

He added that there is need for an incentive pricing policy for jatropha seed. No tax on bio-diesel on the pattern of tax holidays for 10 years will help in the promotion of the programme.

The president felt the finance corporation may like to heed recommendations for promoting bio-diesel production in all northeastern states. He suggested availability of standard seeds of jatropha to the farmer is important.

Agricultural Universities and Central Agricultural Research Institutes located in the North East should network with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and National Oilseeds and Vegetables Oils Development Board for creating a common knowledge base on jatropha specific to the region.

The president added the bark of jatropha is the source of dark blue dye which finds application in textile and fishnet manufacture. Tender leaves are excellent feed for tussar silk worm.

The potential of jatropha for bio-diesel production was discussed at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Hyderabad in June this year, he said. Some of the important recommendations included use of available local high yielding seeds in different regions till elite seeds are developed in about seven to eight years.

Each state can encourage identification and multiplication of best jatropha selection. State governments should prepare and implement seed development plans as per projected requirement of the next five years. Each state should develop policies and mechanisms needed to regulate access to these lands for the plantation.

Jatropha information centres should be started in every district. Cluster approach for large-scale plantation could be adopted. Jatropha planting could be promoted in clusters of 100 hectare covering 10 to 15 villages. A bio-diesel plant of about one tonne capacity per day could be installed for use.

Corporates could be roped in for buyback agreements, to promote planting/cultivation. About 50% of bio-diesel obtained from each cluster should be distributed to villagers.