Other States - Rajasthan   

Jatropa variety identified for commercial cultivation

Special Correspondent

"Chatrapati" is recommended for the arid, semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat

JAIPUR: The Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) has identified the Jatropha variety, "Chatrapati" as ideal for commercial cultivation. First ever Jatropha variety to be identified for large scale production for the purpose of manufacturing alternative fuel, "Chatrapati" is recommended for the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

"Chatrapati", developed by Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Regional Research Station of the Punjab Agricultural University, has 49.2 per cent oil in its seeds and 47.8 per cent non-edible protein in defatted seed case. Farmers can get an average yield of 1000-1100 kg seeds per hectare under rain-fed conditions.

It is drought resistant and can be raised successfully in areas where annual rainfall is 300-500 mm. The plant attains a height up to eight feet and shows resistance to all major pests.

According to the sources at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during evaluation the variety performed well and recorded highest yield among the other local varieties. The other parts of the plant-locally known as "Rattanjot"- such as leaves, roots and latex have been also found useful in traditional medicine. An alkaloid derived from Jatropha— crucin— showed anti-cancer properties, they noted. The oil from Jatropha seeds has many applications in various industries including in the making of detergents, illuminants and paints.

The Union Government and the Planning Commission are promoting the cultivation of Jatropha (Jatropha curcus), a member of Euphorbianceae family, as a source of alternative fuel.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, under its Rural Business Hubs Initiative, has been working to promote the cultivation of Jatropha for bio-diesel, involving Panchayati Raj Institutions. A joint committee of the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Panchayati Raj and the Planning Commission has been formed with several stakeholders and specialized technical agencies to encourage PRIs in promoting cultivation of Jatropha.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Jatropa variety identified for commercial cultivation

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu