Updates on Tuba-Tuba (Jathropa) As a New Energy Source
Posted by: Leo in Plant & Crops 2,578 Views
With the continuous rise of fossil fuels (oil) in the world market hitting $100/barrel mark, it’s about time that we, in the third world countries, find cheaper, readily available and environment-friendly energy alternatives. One of the most promising is the tuba-tuba plant. I think it’s about time to push this potential bio-energy source to avert a major oil crisis in the very near future.
The country is dependent of imported oil for its energy requirement. figures from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicate that in 2005, about 35% of the total energy supply of the Philippines comprised of oil imports of about 95 million barrels of fuel equivalent amounting to USD 4.7 billion. This dependence on imported oil makes the Philippines vulnerable to sudden spikes in world oil prices. In reaction, the government has launched a National Alternative Fuels Program to develop alternative renewable energy sources such as biofuels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many kilos of seeds are required per hectare?
A: On a 2,500 plants per hectare, 3 kilos of seeds are needed where 1,500 seeds are in a kilo.
Q: What is the best source of planting materials?
A: For large areas, seeds with germination rate of at least 90% are advisable. Cuttings, if available, may also be used.
Q: How can I have a good survival rate for my planting stock?
A: Using seeds as source, newly harvested seeds from yellow fruits would have higher germination rate. Using cuttings, there is higher survival when cuttings are obtained from the top portion of a greenish and woody matured tuba-tuba. At 2-3 months old, seedlings should be planted during the onset of the rainy season and higher than the weeds on the area.
Q: Can tuba-tuba be grown with other crops/trees?
A: Yes, tuba-tuba can be grown in between existing crops provided it receives sufficient sunlight.
Tuba-Tuba in the News Headlines
The fruits of jatropha are now reportedly fetching P10 per kilo. An hectare of jatropha could yield 250 kilos of fruits in the first year; 1,000 kilos in the second year; 3,000 kilos in the fourth year; and 6,000 kilos in the sixth year onwards. Five tons of jatropha oil seeds can produce two tons of biodiesel. Full article
The jatropha plantation in Fort Magsaysay earns primarily from the sale of jatropha seeds to interested farmers. Farmers can earn as much as P28,000 to P52,000 a hectare yearly from planting jatropha alone. If you intercrop, for example, coconuts with jatropha, then you’d be earning even more. Full article
More illustrations here
For more information, contact:
Living Rock Reforestation & Community Development Centre, Inc.
Call/text: 0918 323 7823
Dr. Stanley C. Malab,Vice President for R&E and Agribusiness
Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte
Tel. No. (077) 792-3420; Fax: (077) 792-25-30; E-mail: ilarrdec@digitelone.com
Dr. Rodolfo V. Asanion, President, Pangasinan State University (PSU)
Lingayen, Pangasinan
Tel. No. (075) 542-5212, 6103 Fax (075) 542-8694
Email: pcu-cc1@mozcom.com
Dr. Reynaldo P. Villamayor, PresidentQuirino State College (QSC)
Diffun, Quirino
Telefax: (078) 694-7060
Email: qsc_edu_ph@yahoo.com
photo from philippineherbalmedicine.org
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- Growing Jathropa (Tuba-Tuba)
- FAQs on BioFuel and Jathropa
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:19 am
me and my friend are looking for a plantation of tuba-tuba here in mindanao or iligan city. im talking about business- from malaysia. hope someone will reply soon, this is my email.. please do send some replies (yakss_yokss@yahoo.com)