Jatropha, a plant set to turn investors into multi-millionaires

Judging by the reality brought to the fore at the recently concluded third international conference on Jatropha plant at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, there is no doubt that this plant can turn investors into multi-millionaires.

The conference, organised by the Jatropha Plantation and Development Maintenance Committee of the university, was with the theme ‘Breaking down barriers and advancing into new realms of Jatropha – the humble plant.’ One of the most impressive uses of Jatropha is the fact that it is already being used in the production of bio-fuel on commercial scale. This bio-fuel is used in powering generators and stoves for cooking. It is particularly desirable in this second aspect and some companies such as Biotop Green Oils and Energy Limited are partnering the University of Ilorin to explore fully the commercial potential of the plant.

Currently, the company has an out-growers scheme in which farmers are encouraged to produce the plant and subsequently the company buys the plants and develops into bio-fuels and other commercial uses. The company also markets and distributes the stove that this oil is used in powering.

Olajiga Temitope, chairman/CEO of Biotop, said the company would be scaling up even further on the other commercial uses of Jatropha, saying “we have distributors of the bio-fuel in many places and the users of the cooking stove can become distributors as well. This fuel is more economical than kerosine and cooking gas.”

Moshood Yinka Belewu, professor of animal production at the university and chairman of the local organising committee of the international conference on Jatropha plant, x-rayed some of the uses of Jatropha plant. He said: “Jatropha seed cake can be mixed with energy sources such as maize to compound livestock feeds, and it is relatively cheap. The juice from the leaves can be used in the treatment and prevention of many ailments. The stem can be cut and used as a chewing stick to cure bleeding gums, smelling mouth and so on. So, we are working in the lab to produce toothpaste from it. We have produced ceiling boards from Jatropha.

“These ceiling boards are even better than asbestos, they are environmentally friendly, very cheap and affordable. Charcoal for bleaching palm oil for the production of oil used in the making of soaps and insecticides has been produced from Jatropha. The oil is not yet used for human consumption, but it can be used in the production of pesticides.

“Planting of Jatropha is a solution provider to the problem of climate change. One plant of Jatropha absorbs about 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. Currently, University of Ilorin has many hectares of Jatropha under cultivation and we are encouraging people to plant Jatropha, even in their backyards.”

Garba Attahiru, a Jatropha farmer in Minna, Niger State, said he currently earns good income selling the Jatropha harvests to the processing company and this has boosted his income even more appreciably than farmers normally get from cultivation of other crops.

Currently, Biotop Green Oils and Energy Limited assists investors in acquisition of land for Jatropha and castor plantation, in the clearing of the land for those purposes, the maintenance of the plantation, renewable and sustainable energy development from those crops, and so on.

The conference at the university, which is held regularly, explores scientifically the new developments in Jatropha with the aim of providing commercially viable information and opportunities for investors.

By: OLUYINKA ALAWODE