The myth of jatropha

As scientists and policy makers the world over discuss the issue of resolving the issue of climate change, bio fuel will be one of the major solutions on their agenda. India is one of those countries that has formulated plans and implemented actions to grow jatropha curcas as a major bio fuel. Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and Orissa have already established jatropha plantations.

While introducing this plant, its proponents had claimed that this “wonder species” can grow in the wasteland without any inputs of irrigation and fertilisers. And it is hardy without any pest problems. However, the three-year-old jatropha plantations have proved that these claims are not true. The yields were very meagre, just half a kilogram in dry regions whereas it was three kilograms when it was provided irrigation. Like any other crop, it does need fertiliser inputs to get higher yields.

The results

There were pest attacks as well as it acts as a “pest bank” hosting numerous pests that can cause problems for other agricultural crops. It does suffer from viral disease. Obviously, in order to contain these pests and virus, it is essential to spray pesticides to protect the plant to get good yields. The reality check has proved that this wonder species can be successful only when it is provided adequate chemical inputs, and irrigation. This leads to increase in the costs of cultivation.

Key questions of production and profitability explode the myth of jatropha. Eventually the costs of one litre of bio fuel will be more than Rs 150. This will be more than conventional fuel costs of diesel or petrol.

The jatropha plantations have led to health problems in Chhattisgarh. Children and farmers have been adversely affected after coming in contact with the plants. Many workers have been hospitalised. As the seeds are tasty, the children consume them and suffer from health problems. It contains Hydro cyanic Acid, which is highly poisonous for human beings. They also contain carcinogenic substance in the oil and other parts of the plant produce. Jatropha cultivation near water bodies is found to affect the aquatic ecosystem, specifically the fish population adversely.

Chhatisgarh is well known for its plant diversity. But, due to the rampant policy of planting jatropha, the biodiversity is under threat by these invading species. It is planted in the Sal forests, which is the home of numerous plants and insects that provide food and nutrition to forest dwelling tribals. Surprisingly it is also planted in Baranawapara Wild Life Sanctuary.

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