(a) whether Jatropha is being used to produce bio diesel in the country;
(b) if so, the details of the area under Jatropha Plantation and production of bio diesel from Jatropha during the last three years, year/State-wise and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to further encourage Jatropha Plantation in the country to meet the demand of bio diesel in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
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(a) & (b): Jatropha is not being used to produce bio diesel on a significant scale in the country. This department had undertaken Jatropha plantation up to 2010 for utilization as source of quality planting material for mass multiplication. During the first three years of 11th Five Year Plan period i.e. 2007-08 to 2009-10 plantations of Jatropha was done over an area of 2946 hectares as against the target of 3186 hectares. Under Mini Mission–III of National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) targets of 263 hectares and 434 hectares have been approved under Jatropha plantation for 2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively. Oil marketing companies and their Joint Venture/Limited Liability Partnership have undertaken Jatropha plantation in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. Details of the projects are annexed.
(c): Plantation of Jatropha along with other TBOs is being promoted by this Department under Mini Mission III of National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP). Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had announced a National Policy on Biofuels and its implementation for promotion of biofuels, includes bio diesel. The policy endeavors to facilitate and bring about optimal development and utilization of indigenous biomass feed-stocks for production of bio-fuels.