BIODIESEL IN INDIA SCENARIO

There has been greater awareness on Biodiesel in india in the recent
times due to shortage of Petrodiesel and soaring prices. Significant
activities have picked up for its production especially with a view to
reduce the huge cost involved in import of Petroleum fuel and to take
care of the shortage of Petrodiesel anticipated within a few years from
now. In addition, the process of production of Biodiesel from non edible
vegetable oil will boost the rural economy and providing non-polluting,
bio degradable and safe environment.

Considering all the aspects available among non-edible Tree Bearing Oil
(TBO) seeds, Jatropha curcas has been identified as the most suitable
seed for extraction of oil and subsequent processing of Biodiesel. The
best source of producing Biodiesel is Jatropha curcas, a plant that
grows well mainly in tropical climate. Jatropha can be grown in arid
zones (20 cm rainfall) as well as higher rainfall zones and even on land
with thin soil cover.

In tropical countries like ours, Jatropha grows well and can bloom and
produce fruit through out the year. To withstand extreme drought
conditions, Jatropha plant sheds leaves to conserve moisture which may
result in reduced growth. Although, Jatropha is adapted to soils with
low fertility and alkalinity, better yields can be obtained on poor
quality soils, if fertilizers containing small amount of nutrients are
used for the first two years.

Therefore, Europe and other non-tropical countries are a buyer of
Jatropha seeds and seedling of Jatropha from our internal market. As of
now no countries can supply any Jatropha seeds for the commercial
production of Biodiesel, but seeds for cultivation purpose are available
since mass scale cultivation is going on in the Indian sub-continent.
Nursery propagation of Jatropha needs specialized agro techniques to get
plants to yield requisite oil yields and the plant needs specialized
attention (prunning) to make it adequately seed bearing just like tea
plant. The raising of nursery and plantation thereafter should be done
under professional guidance. Jatropha plant bears fruits from 2nd year
of its plantation & the economic yield stabilizes from 4th/5th year
onwards. The plant has an average life with effective yield up to 50
years. Jatropha gives around 2 kg.of seeds/Plant The economic yield can
be considered as one-two kg./Plant & 4-6 MT hect/ year depending on
agro-climatic zone & agricultural practices. One hectare of plantation
on average soil will give 1.6 MT of oil.

India produces only 22% of its diesel requirement & 78% is imported at a
huge cost in foreign currency. With the introduction of compulsory use
of 10-20% Biodiesel in UK, USA, France, Germany, Japan & other countries
who specifies a 40-50% mix by 2010. India has a huge requirement by 2010
to meet the world norms & emission standard & accordingly a National
policy has already been given a green signal by Govt.of India in the
year 2003. Indian Railways have already carried out a trial run on
Amritsar-Shatabdi Express with Biodiesel. Similarly, Haryana State
Transport buses have been run by using biodiesel. Indian Railways have
taken a decision to plant Jatropha trees by the side of railway tracks &
Indian Oil other agencies in possession of Biodiesel Processing Units
will eventually process the Jatropha oil into biodiesel for Indian
Railways & to meet the national needs..