The Jatropha Curcas, a non-food based Biodiesel feedstock that is being harnessed for its high seedoil content (30%-40%) is fast emerging as a highly viable biodiesel feedstock. It reportedly thrives on marginal land and tolerate arid climate, grows rapidly and can yield up to two tons of biodiesel fuel per year per hectare. In other words, Jatropha can yield about 1,000 barrels of oil per year per square mile, given the right cultivating techniques and processing methods.

As a new energy crop however, its properties and propagation is largely untested and at its nascent stage. What are the conditions necessary for its cultivation on a commercial scale? What cutting-edge conversion technologies are available in harnessing its oil content? How best to manage a labour-intensive Jatropha plantation? These and questions regarding its Oil quality, water and soil requirements abound. This conference will focus on the production, cultivation and commercialisation of the JC plant and explore genetic truths regarding its growth and development as a viable alternative feedstock. It will also explore the challenges and benefits to smallholders and roles of various public-private-partnership, government agencies, enterprises and venture capitalists.