China-India to exchange technology in Jatropha cultivation

Chennai, May 18 (UNI) To enhance renewable energy business ties with India, the Chinese government has chalked out a new plan to exchange technology and ideas on Jatropha cultivation in both the countries.

In this connection, a 13-member business delegation from China, headed by Dachang Lu, deputy director general of Guizhou development and reform commssion, was here today to explore the possibility of cultivating Jatropha in both the countries in order to produce bio-diesel.

During an interactive session with the South India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Mr Dachang Lu said that this was a follow up of the recent visit of Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr Montek Singh Aluwalia to China. Mr Ahluwalia had signed an agreement on renewable energy with the Director General of land reforms commision of China.

He pointed out that Jatropha and Pongamia trees were excellent to produce non- edible oils and capable of producing high caliber lubricant oils.

''We already cultivated Jatropha in China in an area of two lakh acres, which could produce between 10,000 tonnes and 20,000 tonnes biodiesel annually'', he said, adding ''our visit is mainly to enhance the Jatropha project both in China and India to produce high quality bio-diesel''.

''Bio-diesel fuel is bio-degradable and hence does not produce any ecological waste, which will also help to earn carbon credit'', he said.

UNI