Society for Rural Initiatives for Promotion of Herbals (SRIPHL) is based at Churu, Rajasthan, India, a non profit , non-government organization devoted to improving lives of rural farmers. One of the main crops currently being promoted for biodiesel production in several countries, globally, is Jatropha curcas. There have been substantial political and social pressures to promote the growing of such crops (in particular Jatropha curcas) in India, as a means of economic empowerment, social upliftment and poverty alleviation within marginalized communities. Jatropha is a valuable multi-purpose crop to alleviate soil degradation, desertification and deforestation, which can be used for bio-energy to replace petro-diesel, for soap production and climatic protection, and hence deserves specific attention Jatropha can help to increase rural incomes, self-sustainbility and alleviate poverty for women, elderly, children and men, triabal communities, small farmers. It can as well help to increase income from plantations and agro-industries. Government of India has selected the plant for National Program compared to others due to followings: - Low cost seeds High oil content Small gestation period Growth on good and degraded soil Growth in low and high rainfall areas Seeds can be harvested in non-rainy season Plant size is making collection of seeds more convenient Of all the above prospective plant candidates as bio-diesel yielding sources, Jatropha curcas is standing "at the top" and "sufficient information " on this plant is already available There are a number of concerns regarding the use of Jatropha curcas for the production of biodiesel. These are, inter alia: potential invasiveness, potential impact on hydrology, economic viability, potential social impact, demand and marketability, use and disposal of by-products, suitable cultivation regions and requirements. The strategy to promote the crop should include evolving optimum agronomic practices under irrigated and rainfed cultivation. The yield potential may be recorded for direct sowing of seeds and using cuttings. Proper extension service would be crucial especially in the new areas. To realise better returns marketing support at least in the initial years would be necessary. Some arrangements need to be made to ensure disposal of crop produce. Finally, supply of healthy seeds/cutting would be an important factor for the successful adoption and diffusion of this new plantation crop enterprise. The cultivation of jatropha on wasteland has the potential both to produce a green fuel that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and create much-needed rural jobs. India has the potential to be a leading world producer of diesel, but farmers need to know that there is going to be a good market for what they produce. We are very keen to build that confidence and promote jatropha cultivation by assisting planting, buying the seeds for refining and providing the refining technology to enable growers to make their own biodiesel." TO RESOLVE ABOVE ISSUE AND TO PROMOTE THE WONDER PLANT WE have set up a JATROPHA-KNOW-HOW-CENTRE and are currently undertaking the pioneering work of promoting jatropha plantation-the promising biofuel crop on a large scale on wastelands/farm land in India with a mission "GREENING THE EARTH.... EARNING THE RESOURCES FOR RURAL MASSES" as we are committed to changed the desert destiny into gold mine and uplifts the standard of life of rural farmers. We have already planted jatropha in large area and encouraging results has motivated us for further expansion. Just to promote the Jatropha plantation which can generate tremendous job opportunities among the rural masses It may lead to a revolutionary transformation of the current gloomy economic and energy scenario with an era of economic bloom and prosperity for all sections of society. Jatropha cultivation generates an income of RS. 25000/ per hectare and RS. 1,50,000/ from 5th year onwards in existing system of farming and if grown in 200 hectares in a village, it can provide adequate employment to all landless workers all through the year. Here are some benefits of cultivating Jatropha: Jatropha oil is mainly used as a substitute for diesel oil. The oil is used in the manufacturing of soaps. It has been found that the waste can be used as a high quality fertilizer after the extraction of oil from the seeds. It plays an important role in the manufacture of lubricant oils. It is widely used in the manufacture of plastic, candles, Varnish, & Polish industries. The roots of this plant are used as a medicine for snakebite. Pre-matured stems are good for brushing teeth. Leaves are used as food for Tassar Silk worms. The leaves that are converted into fertilizers helps in the increase of earthworms. The smoke of these leaves while burning can control insects and files. It also plays an important role in Ayurveda Medicine. For complete information on jatropha kindly login in CONTACT:- SOCIETY FOR RURAL INITIATIVES FOR PROMOTION OF HERBALS B-132, SAINIK BASTI, CHURU- 331001, RAJASTHAN, INDIA TELE: +91 1562 256858, MOBILE- +91 9414085700 E.MAIL: jatropha_c@yahoo.co.in , jatropha3@hotmail.com LINK: www.jatrophaworld.org WHY JATROPHA ? Jatropha Curcas is resistant to drought and can be planted even in the desert climates, and it thrives on any type of soil, grows almost anywhere; in sandy, gravelly and saline soils. Although it grows with very little aftercare and inputs, Jatropha must be managed like any other crop if the aim is a satisfactory yield Jatropha has no inspect pests it is not browsed by cattle or sheep. Jatropha Curcas can survive long periods of drought. Jatropha Propagation is easy. Jatropha Curcas growth is rapid Jatropha Curcas starts yielding from the second year onwards and continues for 50 years. The by- products after extraction is an excellent organic manure (38%Protien N:P:K ration 2.7:1.2:1). Jatropha Curcas quickly establishes itself and will produce seeds round the year if irrigated. Other than extracting Bio diesel from Jatropha Curcas plant, the leaf and the bark are used for various other industrial and MEDICAL uses. Approximately 31 to 37 % of oil extracted from the Jatropha Curcas seed. It can be used for any diesel engine without modification.