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Karanj and Jatropha: Key Elements of New Biofuel Mission in India

May 07, 2007

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Karanj and Jatropha are the two plants India is emphasizing on for promoting alternative energy sources, as the country launches a nationwide biofuel mission.
A committee of experts was set up by the Federal Planning Commission, which will study and suggest measures for the promotion of biofuels’ development. In a recent report submitted by the committee before the commission, the committee has recommended the government to launch a countrywide biofuels mission focusing on encouraging the cultivation of Karanj and Jatropha.
Chandra Shekar Sahu, Jr. minister for rural development said, “The national mission would shortly be launched in two phases”. United Press International (UPI) published this statement on April 11, 2007. 'Under the first phase that would be a demonstration phase, Jatropha and Karanj plantation would be undertaken in (400,000) hectares of government-owned land”, he added.
In the 2nd phase of the mission, Jatropha will be cultivated in 11.2 million hectares of govt. as well as private land for increasing biodiesel’s production, according to the minister. He went on to say that the objective of the mission is to attain the goal of 20% blending of biofuels with diesel and gasoline.
There’s a requirement of 2.6 million tons biodiesel in India in order to achieve its goal of 5% blending with fossil fuels. A number of private players in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have already commenced the plantation of Jatropha under a ‘contract farming’ system.
RNCOS report on “Indian Biofuel Industry” notifies, “Biofuels market in India is largely based on Ethanol - derived from the molasses of sugarcane – and biodiesel that’s obtained through non edible oil seeds for example pongamia and Jatropha. The primary objectives of the govt. for encouraging biofuels industry include environmental factors, plus security and diversity of energy supply. This is also working as the key driver for the growth of biofuel industry in India.”
The report is a must read for analysts, businesses, investors and individuals monitoring the developments in the biofuel industry in India. Issues addressed by this report include: market forces driving the industry and challenges faced by it, government policies in India favoring Biofuels industry, contribution of sugar industry in ethanol production in India, and so on.
 
For more information visit: http://www.rncos.com/Report/IM500.htm


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