Implanting an idea

Under the jatropha project, 29 lakh saplings were raised for distribution among farmers in three districts. While 25 lakh saplings have already been distributed in Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Kangra districts, the target for the current year is 50 lakh saplings, with the forest department set to raise and provide them to the PRIs, mahila mandals and block development agencies.

Says Pankaj Khullar, the state’s principal conservator of forests: “We were impressed by the success of the plant in other states. It’s premature to assess its impact in Himachal, but as part of the centrally funded project, we have joined the jatropha campaign. Monitoring will soon be introduced to gauge its survival rate and growth in the lower hills.”

The state has earmarked Rs 33.66 crore for jatropha plantation this year and over 9,600 hectares of wasteland is likely to be brought under jatropha cultivation. “It’s a very useful bio-fuel plant as it doesn’t require much care and can be grown in any soil,” says Forest Minister Ram Lal Thakur. “Jatropha plantation can not only help us put the wasteland to good use but also motivate the farmers to work towards environmental protection and check soil erosion. The government has already received Rs 1.5 crore from the Centre.”

Jatropha produces seeds which have an oil content of 37 per cent. According to officials, nearly 2,500 plants can be raised per hectare, with every plant giving a yield of up to two kg in five years. Around 1524.4 litre of oil can be extracted from every hectare and the profit per hectare in Himachal is estimated to be Rs 3,050.

But there are apprehensions. The climate in upper Himachal, mainly the apple belt, is not suitable for the plant. So neither the forest department nor experts at the Himalayan Forest Research Institute support its cultivation in the fruit-growing areas, pasture lands and valleys.

Another issue that the nodal agency, the forest department, and the state’s rural development agency, are yet to address is whether the plant will benefit the farmers having small land holdings, including wastelands, who have been growing fruits, flowers and off-seasonal vegetables till now. Rakesh Kaushal, director, rural development, agrees. “We are implementing the project, but there is need for the state to evolve a clear strategy and a coordinated approach for long-term gains. The farmers also need to be educated about the benefits of the plant.”

Despite doubts, Himachal is hoping to reap success on the idea it has sown in its wastelands.