Ungu-Kerala’s answer to biodiesel demand?

 
Pongamia pinnata, a tree bearing non-edible ' straight vegetable oil' and growing widely in the State, can do much more than hold a candle to jatropha, by ask Mr.K.Madhusoodanan of the Society of Energy Engineers and Managers (SEEM).

Better known as 'Ungu' Pongamia pinnata beats jatropha hollow on two counts at least; one, being a tree, it will support the afforestation cause in no small measure. Widely planted along the roadsides in the State, the tree has displayed promising growth rates in the local climatic conditions. Two, growing the tree in the forestlands, unutilized tribal lands and along forest boundaries could be w winnable strategy fro tribal upliftment and empowerment through practices that are socio-economically and environmentally sustainable. The state has about 92,300hectares of wasteland, of which 38, 400 hectares are underutilized degraded and notified forestland.

(The Business Line 15th February 2007)