Jatropha poses no threat to food security
Monday, 15 December 2008
BANGLADESH needs to grow Jatropha plants only on a part of its wasteland to meet its biodiesel requirement. As animals do not consume it, Jatropha is an excellent plant for bordering crop plots. It prevents animals from destroying crops. Its leaves fall to enrich the soil. It can be also planted along the riverbanks and coastlines to prevent erosion.
Jatropha plants bear fruits from the second year of plantation and continues to do so for 50 years without replantation. Oil from its seeds is extracted the same way as mustard oil is. Therefore, it is not cost intensive.
Jatropha can be grown on less productive or barren land, shallow fields, rocky terrains and areas getting scanty as well as excess of rainfall. The plant grows fast from both its seeds and stems. One hectare of plantation produces three to ten tonnes of Jatropha seeds for crushing to obtain biodiesel.
Jatropha is a plant with many uses. Its skin produces tannin while other parts of the plant have medicinal properties. Oil from Jatropha seeds has medicinal value too. The latex from Jatropha contains an element jatrophene which is 'anti-cancerous'. The extract from the leaves can cure piles. The raw leaves being good tooth cleaners cure dental problems. Jatropha oil is a good substitute for diesel. Besides it is a good ingredient for producing soaps, candles and cosmetics. As burning Jatropha oil does not emit fumes in rural areas it is used for lighting. In China Jatropha oil is used for making varnish. In India, the railways use Jatropha fuel to meet approximately 20 per cent of its annual diesel needs. The skin and leaves of jatropha are used in making dyes.
In Bangladesh too Jatropha has many traditional uses.
Firoz Rahman
Green Road, Dhaka
Jatropha plants bear fruits from the second year of plantation and continues to do so for 50 years without replantation. Oil from its seeds is extracted the same way as mustard oil is. Therefore, it is not cost intensive.
Jatropha can be grown on less productive or barren land, shallow fields, rocky terrains and areas getting scanty as well as excess of rainfall. The plant grows fast from both its seeds and stems. One hectare of plantation produces three to ten tonnes of Jatropha seeds for crushing to obtain biodiesel.
Jatropha is a plant with many uses. Its skin produces tannin while other parts of the plant have medicinal properties. Oil from Jatropha seeds has medicinal value too. The latex from Jatropha contains an element jatrophene which is 'anti-cancerous'. The extract from the leaves can cure piles. The raw leaves being good tooth cleaners cure dental problems. Jatropha oil is a good substitute for diesel. Besides it is a good ingredient for producing soaps, candles and cosmetics. As burning Jatropha oil does not emit fumes in rural areas it is used for lighting. In China Jatropha oil is used for making varnish. In India, the railways use Jatropha fuel to meet approximately 20 per cent of its annual diesel needs. The skin and leaves of jatropha are used in making dyes.
In Bangladesh too Jatropha has many traditional uses.
Firoz Rahman
Green Road, Dhaka