Why the fear of Jatropha farming is unfounded

I like writing a lot about Jatropha. That’s because anytime I am around farmers who deal in the planting or processing of this unique crop, they give out so much energy and enthusiasm, that I get drawn into the same passionate wave.

Let me restate here that if financial freedom with ease is what you desire as a farmer then your investment plan must include the Green Gold: Jatropha Curcas.

You may have heard that Jatropha is a source of renewable energy which is currently used for bio diesel which fuel standard diesel engines of cars, plants and even air planes. You heard right.

But what is so special about this plant? 

The Jatropha is a rugged plant, has a life span of up to 40 years and can survive up to 3 years of no rainfall. It needs little or no pesticide application as it serves as pesticides.

Its most profound quality however is that Jatropha plant is good for bio-diesel. It is the cheapest oil that can be used to produce diesel.

Understandably, farmers want to be assured of a market before they invest their resources in the production of any crop. Afterall, farming is a business and in every business you have to make profit.

The Jatropha is not only used in biodiesel production but also in the making of candles & soap.

Medicinal qualities can as well be achieved from its seeds, sap and leaves. 

The truth must be spoken, though. Many Nigerian farmers are not so convinced of the viability of Jatropha production. The reasons for that are not so far fetched.

The Nigerian market is not fully developed for the Jatropha seeds. The industry for its refining into diesel is not matured as much just yet. So most farmers who commercially cultivate the crop prefer to export it to foreign markets.

However, it’s wrong to say that Nigeria is not willing to embrace the Jatropha.

There are several small and medium scale entrepreneurs in the South Western states of Oyo, Osun and Ogun who are processing Jatropha into bio-diesel.  

Airlines have already begun integration plans for the fuel from the Jatropha. With more users come more demands.

Jatropha has come to stay and farmers are already making loads of cash cultivating it and now is not too early or too late to join the train. Even for you.