The Hindu Business Line : Call to frame biodiesel policy

Thiruvananthapuram May 9 The State would need to come out with a comprehensive policy to give a clear direction to biodiesel programmes and promotional activities. Cultivation of jatropha shall, in the first phase, be undertaken on available wastelands of upto 1.44 hectares in the State, according to recommendations of a national seminar held here under the auspices of the Chakkala Community Association of India.

The Chakkala community has traditionally been engaged in the oil extraction business.

Assured Returns

Jatropha cultivation can be taken up on vacant land on the sides of Railway tracks and other fallow lands, as well as for bio fencing. Given the preponderance of rubber plantations in the State, production of rubber seed oil may be taken up for being processed into bio-diesel.

A State-level nodal agency, along the lines of the Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority, should be set up. The Government support in the form of incentives is a must, since, compared with other crops, jatropha cultivation is not a profitable proposition.

An effective procurement system for jatropha seeds has to be institutionalised so that farmers get assured returns. An appropriate biodiesel price policy and a separate purchase policy need to be formulated. Zero excise duty for biodiesel, tax exemption for jatropha seeds, price subsidy and other support measures may also be considered.

Credit Delivery

A massive jatropha cultivation programme involving self-help groups needs to be formulated and implemented, for which support from various Government agencies must be channelised.

Non-government organisations and voluntary bodies must be encouraged to take up jatropha cultivation and set up biodiesel manufacturing units.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development must develop farm models and structure a scheme of finance to facilitate effective credit delivery system. Development of appropriate technology for processing and production of biodiesel, including management of by-products, engine development and modification, has to be given appropriate thrust.

The Railways may initiate expeditious action to take up jatropha cultivation on the fallow and unutilised lands available with them. These lands may in turn be leased to interested NGOs as expeditiously as possible. The country may declare year 2008 as the `Year of Biofuels'.

More Stories on : Non-conventional Energy | Policy | Kerala

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