The Hindu Business Line : National bio-fuels mission to focus on jatropha plantation

On cards
Mission to be launched 2 phases.
First phase involves planting jatropha in 4 lakh hectares.
Phase II, a self-sustaining one, involves planting the crop in 11.2 million hectares.

Coimbatore April 9 A National Mission on Bio-fuels with special focus on plantation of jatropha is on the cards.

The committee on development of bio-fuels set up by the Planning Commission has recommended the launch of the mission. It would be in two phases — a demonstration phase involving plantation of jatropha in 4 lakh hectares of Government/community/panchayat wastelands and in phase II, a self-sustaining programme with plantation of jatropha in 11.2 million ha, both in Government and private lands — for production of bio-diesel to achieve a target of 20 per cent blending with petroleum-diesel, said Mr Chandrasekhar Sahu, Minister of State for Rural Development.

Mr Sahu, who was in Sathyamangalam to inaugurate the bio-diesel plant established by sugar major Bannari Amman Sugars, said the Rural Development Ministry would act as the Nodal Agency for processing the recommendations and operationalising the demonstration phase.

He admitted that technologies were in place for the sugarcane-based ethanol programme but with respect to bio-diesel, the whole programme would have to be vitalised. "Besides ensuring energy security, the programme would create employment opportunities, ascertain effective use of wastelands, reduce vehicular pollution level and control emission of greenhouse gases."

The Bannari Amman Group Chairman, Mr S.V. Balasubramaniam, said the Group invested about Rs 2 crore for establishing the bio-diesel plant with a crushing capacity of 3,000 litres/day. "It will be upgraded to produce 10,000 litres/day in a phased manner."

According to him, the country would need over 2.60 million tonnes of bio-diesel to meet the 5 per cent blending requirement. Anticipating the energy security needs, the Group had commenced cultivation of jatropha in its own lands and under contract farming system a couple of years back.

"We have brought 1,720 acres in Coimbatore, Dindigul, Karur and Erode districts under jatropha. We are aiming to extend this to 40,000 acres over a five-year period," Mr Balasubramaniam said.

The company, besides supplying the seeds/seedlings procured from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, has also entered into an agreement with farmer groups for buy back of the seed at the prevailing rates.

He pointed out that in the first three years of planting, the farmer would not be able to recoup any income as the tree would start bearing fruits only from the fourth year. "The yield initially would be about 1.5 tonnes/acre. As per present indications, it could rise to 3.5 tonnes/acres from the sixth year."

While emphasising the need for a National Biofuel Policy, Mr Balasubramaniam said: "Oil companies have announced a price of Rs 26.50 per litre, if delivered at the depot (inclusive of transport, taxes etc).''

More Stories on : Plantations | Non-conventional Energy

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
`Low' off TN coast signals pre-monsoon weather

Fertiliser subsidy for cos only on actual delivery

Cotton — future imperfect

Fertiliser policy — Must be a nutrient for food security, competitiveness

National bio-fuels mission to focus on jatropha plantation

Next rubber capital in the making

Spot rubber stays static

Packeters, blenders told to stop colouring tea

Withering heights

Agri biotech media workshop

Centre may consider cut in palm oil Customs duty

Pepper price index on upward path

Speculative buying pushes up chilli futures

Pepper futures continue to rule hot

Gaining ground