Jatropha Curcas

JATROPHA CURCAS

by Antonio C. Antonio

May 26, 2014

Please allow me to discuss the establishment of Jatropha Plantations. This is for the following reasons: (1) The establishment of jatropha plantations and the institutionalization of a National Jatropha Biofuel Program will make us less dependent on imported crude oil; and, (2) Jatropha plantations are easy to establish and are illegal logging antidotes.

The “National Jatropha Biofuel Program” is not a formal program of the Philippine government.  I just invented it for lack of a better name for a jatropha program.  But this does not negate the fact that this imaginary program could provide us with an alternative energy source and that it will really make us less dependent on oil imports.  From the environmental standpoint, it is perhaps the only substitute and alternative to fossil fuel that is renewable at present.

It may seem funny when I first mentioned that a jatropha plantation is an antidote for illegal logging.  From the image of a jatropha plantation below, it is easy for us to see that jatropha plants are small in size and have relatively very minimal biomass compared to trees.  They certainly will not be the apple of the eyes of illegal loggers.  The fruit and harvested seeds of jatropha plants are also not edible.  Fact is, they cause nausea and vomiting to anyone who would consume them.  The fact that they have no household kitchen value renders them safe from food gatherers.

Jatropha was an “in” thing during the incumbency of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.  The government and its agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) pushing for the planting and harvesting of jatropha curcas.  A nationwide program was also being conceptualized by the DENR as plans were also being laid for the establishment of regional depots for gathering and collecting jatropha biodiesel.  Jatropha extraction facilities were also being mapped out in strategic locations all over the country where jatropha plantations were anticipated to be established.  Financial support was also being announced and committed to those groups and individuals who would like to join the program.  The frenzy for jatropha however died down as soon as a new president and administration took over the reins of government in 2010.

Continuity of programs has always been a problem in the Philippines.  Newly elected presidents don’t seem to recognize and share the vision of previous administrations.  This is a not hard to understand given the highly politicized nature of Philippine society.  However, good and laudable programs will have to be considered for adoption by any new political administration.  Long-term benefits must be the guiding principle over shot-term political interests.

Just my little thoughts…