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Ugandan citizens rich with bio-fuels
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THE JATROPHA carcus tree, if exploited, will not only relieve Uganda of its dependency on fossil fuels from oil producing Arab countries, but may also go a long way in becoming a major source of revenue for the country. This amazing shrub is locally known as ekiroowa in Luganda and among the Langi's as Omara Omara. The plant naturally produces seeds with up to 30-40 percent oil content, a major source of fuel.
When dried and crushed, the seeds yield oil which can be burned in most diesel engines. |
A commissioner for energy at the ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Ben Todwo, confirms that the jatropha seeds can be processed into biomass to power electricity plants, and hence is a substitute for kerosene.
The shrub will yield seeds in the first year after plantation, but will only begin yielding oil in the second year. After the first five years, the typical annual yield of a jatropha tree weighs 3.5 kilogrammes. The tree remains productive for between 30 and 40 years as it also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
A plant pathologist who heads the cereals research programme at the National Agricultural Research Organisation, Dr George Bigirwa, says there is big potential for business in Jatropha carcus as the shrub can grow almost everywhere in Uganda. The plant is not only important for bio-diesel, it also enhances soil productivity.
The shrub originated from the Caribbean and spread as a valuable hedge plant to Africa and Asia by Portuguese traders. Today it is widely used in India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Egypt as a quick growing source of oilbearing nuts that can be pressed to produce bio-diesel for running cars.
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