Question

Jatropha is a
A. Biodiesel crop
B. Biopetrol crop
C. Fibre crop
D. Food crop

Answer 1

Hint: Jatropha is a genus of flowering plants in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae that produces a considerable amount of oil from its seeds. This is a non-edible oil-bearing plant common in arid, semi-arid, and tropical areas of the world.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The availability of Jatropha seeds remains a major issue in increasing the production of biodiesel in India. The oil from Jatropha is used as a biofuel and is also known as biodiesel. Jatropha Curcas is an inexpensive biodiesel raw material with good fuel properties and more oil than other species. It is a non-edible oilseed feedstock. Thus, it will have no effect on prices for food or the food vs fuel discussion. Jatropha oil was used in India for many decades as biodiesel for the diesel fuel requirements of remote villages and forest communities. Jatropha oil can be used directly after the extraction (i.e. without refining) in diesel power generators and engines. In 2008, jatropha was planted on about 900000 hectares worldwide, 760000 in Asia, 120000 ha in Africa, and 20000 ha in Latin America. By 2015, it is estimated that jatropha will be planted on 12.8 million ha. The largest producing country in Asia will be Indonesia. In Africa, Ghana and Madagascar will be the largest producers, in Latin America it will be Brazil.

Therefore the correct answer is Option A.
Note: Raw oil is the main resource obtained from Jatropha. Based on the variety/cultivars, decorticated seeds have 40–60% oil. The oil is utilised for several purposes, like lubricating, lighting, making soap, and more importantly biodiesel.