Faltering mission
Through massive jatropha plantations you planned to achieve a 5 per cent bio-diesel blend in India by 2006. Is the programme on track?
No, though enough progress has been made in establishing processing plants, the raw material is still not available. Planting is limited to 50 per cent of the proposed target.
Who is to be blamed?
The Union ministry of rural development, which is the nodal agency for the project's implementation, has not done anything despite having been given a massive fund of Rs 1,400 crore. Some with vested interest in crude oil import and refining are also restricting the project.
Experts say jatropha is an exotic species and large-scale plantations will lead to monoculture, water scarcity and encroachment on forest and agriculture lands.
Let me clarify. Firstly, jatropha is not an exotic species. There are 14 indigenous jatropha species identified in India like Jatropha gossypii, found around Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. Secondly, jatropha will bring additional income if grown in unused lands near railway tracks, degraded forests and on the fringes of agricultural land. Thus, it need not compete for extra water or fodder for animals nor become a monoculture menace if grown in a planned manner.
But what of commercialisation?
I do fear this, but with a Rs 1,60,000-crore energy import bill there is no escape. By aiming to achieve a 20 per cent blend by 2010 we can bring down the bill. We need to grow jatropha to survive.
You planned the programme in the mode of corporate farming. What about rural energy?
We wished to make it a rural energy programme since it will easily fit in with cottage industries, which can help in processing. The total energy needs of 600 villages in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh are at present being met by jatropha.