Jatropha plantation and bio diesel production
Jatropha curcus is a drought-resistant perennial that grows well in marginally poor soils. It is easy to plant, grows relatively quickly and lives, producing seeds for about 50 years. It grows naturally in many parts of Togo and can survive with minimum inputs and propagate easily.Jatropha or "the wonder plant" produces seeds with an oil content of up to 41%. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It burns with clear smoke-free flame, tested successfully as fuel for simple diesel engine. The by-products are press cake a good organic fertilizer, oil contains also insecticide and soap. It can be used to cure diseases such us cancer, piles, snakebite, paralysis, dropsy etc. Jatropha grows wild throughout Togo and thrives on infertile soil. A generous harvest can be obtained with little effort. Depending on the quality of the soil and adequate rainfall, oil can be extracted from the jatropha nuts, from improved seeds, only 7 months after planting. The annual nut yield ranges from 0.5 to 12 tons. The kernels consist of oil to about 60 percent; this can be transformed into biodiesel fuel. We started a trial plantation 3 years ago on a waste land in Sanguéra, Togo. So far the results are very encouraging. We are now planning to turn this trial project into an effective large scale Jatropha plantation. We have identified a suitable 4000 hectare land between Kpouli and Atimé and are working with stakeholders to take the project to the planting stage.
