PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS OF BIODIESEL AND ITS REMEDIES IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO JATROPHA

Abstract

India with its dense population is more prone to energy crisis than its counterparts in other developed countries. Economic, energy along with environmental security concerns arising from overdependence on fossil fuel is now forcing the country to shift for alternative i.e. biofuel. India has a tremendous potential as a producer of biofuels. However, the present production capacity of biodiesel is constrained by the production of feed stocks. The target set by the proposed National Policy on Biofuels is 20 % biodiesel blending after 2017. This set target will only be a reality only when the constraints in biodiesel production and promotion are identified and addressed properly. The paper enlists these constraints and briefly suggests possible remedial measures with special reference to Jatropha so that the set Indian target may be achieved.