Of late, a lot of importance has been given to the production of bio fuel. Even the BBMP has showed some interest in it, however, nothing substantial has come out as of now. However, there is one man Rajesh, who has been working with this project for the last ten years. He had set up a stall in the second bio diversity congress held at Hebbal to create awareness about the different species available for production of bio diesel.
Rajesh has been working in the research team for the bio diesel project with the University of Agricultural Sciences . Speaking to City Express Rajesh said, “Our aim is to create awareness as well as give training to farmers on the different types of species available for producing bio diesel.”
The major project of the University of Agricultural Sciences is to set up bio-fuel park at Hasan. Says Rajesh, “We have already planted about 15 lakh seedlings in Hasan alone. Of these, 80 percent will survive.”
The state policy states that only non edible oils can be used for production of bio fuel. Hence, Rajesh along with University of Agricultural Sciences has identified 10 varieties of crop like Honge, Neem, Jatropha, Mahua, Nagasampige and Amoora that can be used for production. He says, “Depending on the climate changes and the soil condition, the different species of bio diesel is recommended. There was a lot of talk in 2005 that Jatropha is the only candidate for bio fuel. However, the yield is very less as it is not deep rooted and requires extensive care. Moreover, storage of Jatropha seeds reduces the quality. Hence, we recommend multiple cropping. For instance, in the month of July it is neem, then August- September it is Mahua and so on.”
The aim of the organisation is to create a set up like the Karnataka milk federation where collection is networked properly. There can be multiple users for bio diesel. Institutions like Indian Railways and BMTC have also been looking for such options but currently the produce is being used for the university alone.