Towards making Jatropha curcas (Tubang bakod) a viable source of biodiesel oil in the Philippines

Jatropha becomes a viable source of biodiesel oil at PhP 40/L crude oil under high fruit yields(36,000 kg/ha), high rates of oil extraction(34% and 38%) and by-products included as added income. At low fruit yields(12,000 kg/ha), it will become profitable for farmers if the current diesel oil price increases to about PhP 90/L crude oil at 30% rate of oil extraction( the estimates exclude processing and marketing costs). The inherently low Jatropha seed yield explains the low revenue. Accelerated research must be done to increase further the seed yield of the Jatropha plant, to find ways that will maximize total farm yield, and explore other uses of the by-products. For Jatropha to become economic as biofuel source, considering the relatively long gestation period (5 years) before the crop reaches optimum fruiting and the low seed yield of the crop, optimal crop mixes (multiple cropping schemes) or compatible diverse cropping systems involving short maturing crops and high value fruit/wood trees have to be resorted to in order to increase the total farm yield and as a risk-minimizing farming strategy. Diverse cropping must be complied with by both the public and private agencies promoting the massive planting of Jatropha. Additionally, it must be recognized that the technology for processing of Jatropha into biofuel is yet to be established in the country. It is necessary to accelerate the optimization of processing raw-oil into trans-esterified oil before it can be used as biodiesel oil. To add to farmer's income, the processing of by-products (press cake) into organic fertilizer or livestock feed and glycerol into high-priced products may also have to be considered. Jatropha oil has high saponification value, making it an excellent substitute for soap-making. Two products may then be profitable from Jatropha: soap and biodiesel. Jatropha as a source of biofuel presents enormous employment opportunities in the rural areas if comprehensive programs are designed to tap the potentials of the crop. Capital (financial and material) infusion in the rural areas will propel economic activities. On a national level, it is also recommended that other sources of renewable bio-energy such as sugarcane, corn and cassava which yield more bio-energy (ethanol) than Jatropha be explored. Technologies, systems and practices that improve energy-use efficiency should also be adapted, and alternative non-oil dependent systems, machines and other technologies studied.