Advantages of Jatropha Curcas
The plant is preferred compared to others due to advantages including:
- Low cost seeds;
- High oil content;
- Increased safety due to higher flash point;
- Small gestation period;
- Growth on good and degraded soil;
- Growth in low and high rainfall areas;
- Does not require special expertise to farm;
- Seeds can be harvested in non-rainy season;
- Plant size makes collection of seeds more convenient; and
- Multi-plant use including production of biodiesel, soap, mosquito repellent, and organic fertiliser.
Jatropha, whose productive lifespan is over 50 years, can therefore help to increase rural incomes, self-sustainability and alleviate poverty for women, elderly, children and men, communities, and small farmers. It can also help to increase incomes from plantations and agro-industries.