Bio-Fuels
On account of constantly rising demand for energy and the import cost of fossil fuel, bio-fuel from Jatropha and other Tree Borne Oil Seeds (TBOs) as an alternative resource is gaining acceptance both globally and locally. With a view to promote the production of the eco-friendly, renewable energy crops, Planning Commission, GoI, and NABARD have decided to promote Jatropha cultivation, on wastelands in forest and non-forest areas, through institutional credit. It is planned to support one lakh ha. wastelands annually under Jatropha Plantation, involving institutional finance to the tune of Rs.200 crore.
NABARD has issued detailed circular with three models to the Banking industry for financing of Jatropha plantation. The Bank is also closely associated with National Oilseeds and Vegetable Oil Development Board, the nodal agency of GoI for promoting bio-diesel. Besides undertaking field studies in areas having different agro-climatic conditions and interaction with the scientists of ICAR and CSIR working in the field, NABARD provided a platform for interaction among concerned stakeholders.
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