Jatropha

In a bid to combat the spiralling prices of diesel / petrol, America, Africa and Asia are taking to Jatropha plantation. The bio-diesel obtained from the seeds of this plant can solve the problem of oil crisis being faced by people cutting across geographical boundaries.Hazri, a retired divisional forest officer of the Himachal Pradesh forest department, has been working on this plant since 2000. Based upon his experiments, he stated if Jatropha is planted in perforated polythene bags, it can attain a height of 9 to 12 feet within two years, and that if it is planted with naked roots, it only grows to 2-3 feet in the same period. In India, work on its propagation is on. Satish Lele had constituted a company in Mumbai and is raising a nursery of this plant on a plot of 10000 hectares, obtained on lease from various states of south India. Similarly, RC Sharma, director of a private company situated in Delhi, is working on a 5000-hectare land which he got on lease from Gujarat and Rajasthan governments. With hope sparkling in his eyes, Hazri says in India, positive results of this plantation have been received, particularly from that at the Churu district of Rajasthan. Its seeds produce 40-45% biodiesel. In addition to its fuel value, Jatropha seeds possess medicinal values; it is useful in treating cancer, rheumatism of the life-stock, and its tender twigs are very useful for cleaning teeth. External application of its juice obtained from its leaves is effective in the treatment of piles. Its roots are an antidote for snake bite. Coming to his home-state, he also harped upon the fact that this plant can be put to use to combat the monkey menace, which has taken the whole of Himachal Pradesh within its grip. He rued that in spite of efforts put in by the state government as well as the farmers, the results are not favourable. Since, no part of this plant is eaten by the humans, animals or birds, it can prove to be a safe and effective means to rein in the monkeys. Besides, with the prospect of a good earning for the farmers of the state, it will also increase its green cover. Jatropha is also effective to suppress the Lantana, a weed brought in by the British, which is spreading like a wildfire in waste-lands and agricultural lands, especially in the lower Himachal regions. Moreover, it is seriously harmful for the environment since no seeds of any species can germinate under its shade, Hazri cautioned. Being an ornamental plant, not can it only be utilised to beautify the roads, but also generate income for the concerned departments as it starts giving fruits after 2-3 years. And this plant comes as tropical crop with minimal water.