The goal of the project is to demonstrate that jatropha can produce significant quantities of oil for conversion to biodiesel and to develop varieties of the plant that have high yields, can withstand frost, and grow in temperate climates such as the US. The drought-resistant, non-edible plant can be grown commercially with minimal care on marginal land.
Two jatropha farms will be established in India: a 16-hectare plot in Bhavngar and a 38-hectare plot in Kalol, near GM’s India car manufacturing plant. An existing 30-hectare jatropha farm in Bhavnagar also will be managed under this project.
Lab-optimized strains of jatropha, produced through selective and marker-assisted breeding, will be cultivated at these farms. The joint DOE-GM funding will enable the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute – an India-based research facility falling under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India – to manage all of the 84 hectares.
A complete lifecycle analysis will be conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts, starting with fertilizer production from raw materials and ending with the harvesting of jatropha fruits.
