Jatropha Propagation

Jatropha curcus is a drought-resistant perennial, growing well in marginal/poor soil. It is easy to establish, grows relatively quickly and lives, producing seeds for 50 years.

Jatropha the wonder plant produces seeds with an oil content of 37%. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It burns with clear smoke-free flame, tested successfully as fuel for simple diesel engine. The by-products are press cake a good organic fertilizer, oil contains also insecticide

Jatropha grows wild in many areas of India and even thrives on infertile soil. A good crop can be obtained with little effort. Depending on soil quality and rainfall, oil can be extracted from the jatropha nuts after two to five years. The annual nut yield ranges from 0.5 to 12 tons. The kernels consist of oil to about 60 percent; this can be transformed into biodiesel fuel through esterification

Jatropha curcas grows almost anywhere , even on gravelly, sandy and saline soils. It can thrive on the poorest stony soil. It can grow even in the crevices of rocks. The leaves shed during the winter months form mulch around the base of the plant. The organic matter from shed leaves enhance earth-worm activity in the soil around the root-zone of the plants, which improves the fertility of the soil.

Regarding climate, Jatropha curcas is found in the tropics and subtropics and likes heat, although it does well even in lower temperatures and can withstand a light frost. Its water requirement is extremely low and it can stand long periods of drought by shedding most of its leaves to reduce transpiration loss. Jatropha is also suitable for preventing soil erosion and shifting of sand dunes. (www.jatrophabiodiesel.org/index.php)

Initially, I will utilize local farm hands. But as the plantation grows bigger I intend to purchase tractors. Seeds will be sourced from suppliers from the area, as well as my plantation.

For the first year, I will be hiring a minimum of 15 farmers and will subsequently increase as the project grows.

I have been contacted by prospective buyers such as the agents of the processing plant in Cagayan de Oro City, as well as the PNOC and a group of investors who will be putting up a processing plant in Dipolog City.

I have already talked to the buying agents of PNOC, biodiesel processing plant in Cagayan de Oro City, and the investors of the proposed processing plant in Dipolog City. All of them need big quantities of Jathropa, in anticipation of the growing demand due to the implementation of the Biofuel Law.

There is a massive demand for Jathropa that the current supply cannot meet this demand.

Jatropha, the wonder plant produces seeds with an oil content of 37%. This is an ideal raw material for the production of biofuel, easy to propagate and requires a relatively minimum investment.

Being in the Agribusiness for 10 years and having planted Jathropa this year, I have acquired the expertise and know-how need for this project. So far, my Jathropa plantation has been successful due to the ideal climatic and terrain conditions in the area.

In the past, when I started organic farming, this technique was unfamiliar to the farmers, being used to commercial fertilizers. The farmers did not believe in this method that they did not follow instructions correctly. Moreover, due to the adverse climate change as a result of global warming, I incurred loses. I learned that I should be hands on and closely supervising farmers in the application of organic fertilizers and to expect sudden changes in climate patterns. However, Jathropa is a sturdy plant that is not easily affected by inclement weather. This is the reason why I decided to concentrate on planting Jathropa.

The Jathropa project will generate jobs and provide employment to the local community. Since the whole community will have an active involvement in the project, this will help alleviate the current poverty experienced by the people.

Improving the lives of the community will also lead to improved economic conditions and families will have increased purchasing power. Small businesses will thrive, such as sari-sari stores (small neighborhood convenience stores). In turn, this will spur economic growth in the community.

Standard of living will improve and families will be able to afford to send their children to school. Children will no longer be exploited and child labor will be avoided since families will have sufficient income to provide for their family.