Castor bean moving forward on new biodiesel crop opportunity

Center for Jatropha Promotion & Biodiesel (CJP) has been promoting the farming of castor bean, a seed producing plant that grows in arid/semi arid areas, as a feedstock for biodiesel. The crop will not compete with food crops, provides a cover crop during the season, and could bring area growers additional revenues.

Castor bean, an annual oil crop, produces a seed that contains approximately 50 percent oil. The oil is of a high quality and there is a growing market for it among biodiesel manufacturers. The oil also has wide ranging applications in the industrial bio-chemical sector.

Castor farming is being developed by CJP in conjunction with Pongamia Pinnata and Indian mustard, and has shown to be a heartier and higher yielding variety as companion crop.

Being a companion crop, castor bean can give the grower the ability to double crop and earn more — it’s like adding a second shift to the factory of agriculture. The double oil crop adds to the farmer’s income, creates jobs in the crushing operations, and the oil derived from the seed will help decrease foreign oil dependency. It’s a very attractive proposition for all stake holders involved.

Vast scope exists for exploitation of castor as a bioenergy crop although there are still some technological challenges to overcome. A combination of conventional breeding methods with biotechnological techniques provides newer routes for designing oils for biofuel purpose.

Estimates of yields, prices and cost vary greatly, making it difficult for potential growers to make informed investment decisions about growing the crop. We identify the key elements in growing castor and examine their effects. We also provide accurate information about the crop for potential castor investors and growers after performing feasibility studies.

CJP’S Next 5th 5-day Global Jatropha Hi-tech Integrated Nonfood Biodiesel Farming & Technology Training Programme in India from September 5-9, 2012 is all set to introduce you to the real world of nonfood biodiesel crops and business. Attendees shall also have the opportunity to explore castor crop science, agronomy and its cultivation technology etc. as these have also been included in the course. To find out more about JATROPHAWORLD 2012 please visit http://www.jatrophabiodiesel.org

To create, build and succeed in the growing world of biodiesel, you need complete and comprehensive knowledge of plant science and plant technology. Just by registering yourself for the mega happenings in the Jatropha World, you can access the only platform to learn, plan and execute this knowledge. The event provides the best expertise to discuss and analyze the present and future dynamics of nonfood oil crops.

JATROPHAWORLD 2012 is unique because of its capability to deliver an integrated “One Stop Solution” for Agri-Fuel-business operations to the agricultural and energy sector worldwide.

Registration is open. Secure your seat today.

For more information regarding registration, package cost, etc., kindly contact:

Director (Training)

Centre for Jatropha Promotion & Biodiesel

TELE-  +91 141 2335839

FAX: (+91) 141 2335968, MOBILE- (+91) 982943333,

www.jatrophabiodiesel.org

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