ICAR develops new variant of Jatropha

Jaipur, May 12 (UNI) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed a new variant of Jatropha, which is expected to be perfect for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The new variant named 'Chatrapati' will have 49.2 percent oil and 47.8 percent of inedible protein, which is the maximum in the available varieties of Jatropha till now.

With a high production rate and higher quantity of oil in Chatrapati, this new variant is likely to be more beneficial for the farmers.

Farmers can produce 1,000 to 1,100 kilos of Jatropha on each hectare. The new variant can gain a height of eight feet and can be grown in areas with as less as 300-500 mm of rainfall.

The roots, leaves and rubber can be used in traditional medicines.

The alkoloid from this new variant can also be used to treat cancer.

Due to the increasing oil prices and its scarce sources, the Union government has initiated efforts to develop Jatropha farming as an alternative oil source.

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