(a) whether the Railways has started plantation of jetropha on its land to support the production of biodiesel;
(b) if so, the production of jetropha during each of the last three years; and
(c) the steps taken for more production of jetropha on unused land of Railways in the future?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU )
(a) & (b) : Yes Sir, Railways have taken up plantation of `Jatropha Curcus` on railway
land on a large scale from the year 2003-04 onwards. During 2003-04, 24 lakh Jatropha
have been planted on railway land. Another 57 lakh trees have been planned for the
current year 2004-05.
(c) : Zonal Railways have been advised to vigorously take up plantation of `Jatropha
Curcas` on railway land. Progress of plantation is also monitored regularly on Railways/
in Railway Board. Apart from departmental effort, plantation of Jatropha has also been
taken under `commercial plantation` scheme.