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…
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