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Our Bureau

Hyderabad, July 15 A new programme of creating rural community energy farms is on the anvil in Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has given in-principle approval to the programme christened ‘ShaktiGram’ and launched by the Biodiesel Society of India at a function to mark the launch of Biodiesel Society of India’s AP Chapter here on Saturday.

Dr Reddy said on the occasion that marginal lands could be brought under cultivation of non-edible oil seeds for biodiesel production. “While biodiesel production is a must for India with its suitable agro-climatic conditions, agricultural lands should not be used for biodiesel production,” he observed.

Mr Bharat Thakkar, Secretary General Biodiesel Society of India, said the society was ready to take up creation of rural community energy farms in 1,100 madals in the State. “These farms will act as a captive source for meeting the biodiesel requirements of the village,” he said.

The programme could provide employment to over 4.5 lakh and would save Rs 2,000 crore in fuel expenses, Mr Thakkar said.

Mr William Dar, Director-General, International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (Icrisat), said there was an urgent need for research on the nature of non-edible oil seeds for the biodiesel production.

“At present, there are no suitable varieties of Jatropha. Though it can be cultivated in dry lands, the productivity is an issue,” he said.

The challenge for countries like India is to develop productive varieties of non-edible oil plants such as Jatropha, he added.

Mr N Raghuveera Reddy, State Minister for Agriculture, was also present.

More Stories on : Non-conventional Energy | Andhra Pradesh

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Rural community energy farms on the anvil in AP

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