A very interesting report indeed. Yes jatropha is a plant whose genetic and agronomic characteristics are little understood. The plant has been there for long, but no reasonable investments have been made into its research and development. Consequently, there is need to study the genetics and agronomy of the plant before making massive investments in feedstock production. This is where industry is missing the point. For us, we are working with smallholder farmers in Africa to grow the plant as a hedge (live fence) with the added benefit of harvesting the seeds for soap making and to a limited extend biofuels for households. Jatropha is not a miracle plant, like all plants, it requires sunlight, water, nutrients and other things that all plants need. The logical approach is to invest in research and development, and then at the appropriate time move into large scale commercial production, that is if the results dictate that. Be warned.
A very interesting report indeed. Yes jatropha is a plant whose genetic and agronomic characteristics are little understood. The plant has been there for long, but no reasonable investments have been made into its research and development. Consequently, there is need to study the genetics and agronomy of the plant before making massive investments in feedstock production. This is where industry is missing the point. For us, we are working with smallholder farmers in Africa to grow the plant as a hedge (live fence) with the added benefit of harvesting the seeds for soap making and to a limited extend biofuels for households. Jatropha is not a miracle plant, like all plants, it requires sunlight, water, nutrients and other things that all plants need. The logical approach is to invest in research and development, and then at the appropriate time move into large scale commercial production, that is if the results dictate that. Be warned.