(a) whether bio-diesel has been produced from Jatropha experimentally;
(b) if so, the total quantity produced as yet;
(c) whether oil companies are not willing to purchase diesel produced from Jatropha;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to promote bio-diesel?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH)
(a) & (b) Bio-diesel has been produced experimentally in several States both by private
and government agencies. For instance, the Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority has
produced 17,020 litres of bio-diesel in 2007-08 and the Uttarakhand Biofuel Board has produced
about 200 litres for experimental purposes.
(c) & (d) No Sir. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in consultation with the oil
marketing companies, has identified 20 bio-diesel purchase centres in 12 States.
(e) The Ministry of Rural Development has proposed to launch a Demonstration Project to
establish the technical and commercial viability of bio-diesel plants like jatropha and
pongamia and to consolidate necessary scientific data base in all aspects of growing bio-
diesel plantations, oil processing and marketing. Towards this direction, the Ministry has
provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs.49.00 crore in 2005-06 and Rs.49.50 crore
in 2006-07 to identified States for the purpose of raising jatropha/pongamia saplings in
nurseries.