Strategy for rehabilitation of degraded lands and improved livelihoods through biodiesel plantations

Biofuels are gaining importance in the backdrop of increase in fossil fuel prices driven by reduced supplies and increased concern about environmental pollution. Considering the issues of rural poverty and water scarcity the efforts in the area of biofuel need to be looked along with other concerns. In this paper, the strategy for rehabilitating degraded lands using biodiesel plantations for improving livelihoods while protecting environment is discussed. The experiences of developing common property resources with the help of self-help groups (SHGs) and ensuring usufruct rights to the SHGs for harvesting seeds from the plantations are discussed. At the same time, lack of reliable scientific data to support various claims on biodiesel plants is explained. Preliminary results from research under way on Jatropha and Pongamia are also clarified. Different approaches for biodiesel plantations and oil extraction are looked into. Results from village-level case study on Pongamia pinnata seed collection from existing forests, oil extraction and Carbon trading are also discussed in this pape