JATROPHA CURCAS

Introduction

Jatropha curcas, commonly known as physic nut and purging nut. Which belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae has the tendency to produce latex and so the animals do not browse the plant. It is fast growing and extends up to a height of 3-5 meters. Jatropha curcas is perennial crop which easily establish, grows relatively quickly and lives for 50 years. The seeds of jatropha containing an oil content 32-35%.

The Oil from jatropha can be used as biodiesel blend upto 20% without refining. However, the refined oil is a qualified neat biodiesel. The oil burns with clear smoke-free flame, and was tested successfully as fuel for simple diesel engine. Moreover, Jatropha is also being used as medicine for diseases like cancer, piles, snakebite, paralysis dropsy etc. The species Jatropha Curcas is a promising one with economic seed yield and fuel recovery.

Salient Features of Jatropha

• Perennial hardy shrub, drought resistant and survives well in arid and semi arid tropics.

• Grows well in all types of soil and even in poor, marginal and degraded wastelands.

• Easy to cultivate & propagate.

• Not browsed by cattle, no major pest & diseases.

• Gives seed yield 3-5 tonnes per acre and ensure net earnings of Rs. 20000.

• Jatropha oil ester is cost effective, renewable and environmentally safe biofuel.

• Jatropha removes carbon from atmosphere.

• Jatropha oil cake contains high nutritive value and used as manure. Also have insecticidal properties.

• Provides valuable by products viz. high nutritive oilcake for manure and high grade natural glycerin for various downstream products.

Economic features

• Has potential to yield seeds up to 5 tons per acre / year and contains 30-35% oil.

• Raw Curcas oil is an ideal bio-fuel, could be mixed with diesel up to 20% and esterified oil is 100% diesel substitute. Cost-effective, renewable and environmentally safe bio fuel.

• Besides fuel purpose, oil is also used in Soap and Paint industries.

• Seeds and plant parts are also used for medicinal purposes and Dyes.

• Curcas Oilcake contains high nutritive value and used as very good manure.

• Jatropha oil & Oilcake have Insecticidal and molluscicidal Properties.