Maharashtra to bring 3 lakh acre under jatropha

The Maharashtra government is planning to bring around 3 lakh acre of government-owned and barren land in Maharashtra under jatropha cultivation.

"With a major focus on bio-fuel, the state government is planning the cultivation of jatropha on around 3 lakh acre of government-owned and barren or waste land throughout Maharashtra. The government is also considering the utilisation of forest land for the cultivation of jatropha," said Mahesh Zagade, director general, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA).

All district collectors have been asked to collect information on the availability of government-owned and waste land in each district and details in this regard will be made available shortly. Two oil extraction plants, one each in Aurangabad and Latur, have already come up in the state, Zagade added.

The government also aims to create rural employment and prevent soil erosion through the cultivation of jatropha. Besides, it wants to create a model for energy self-sufficiency in rural areas.

According to sources, around 300 acre of land is already under jatropha cultivation in Nashik district and is gradually increasing.

Isonox Bio-Energy, the first bio-diesel manufacturing unit in Nashik, has already started its operation. The unit, which manufactures bio-diesel from jatropha curcas seeds, currently has a production capacity of 2,000 litre per day.

The unit is also promoting the cultivation of jatropha in the district to meet its demand for jatropha seeds.