Ministry says over 1 mln ha land available for Jatropha plantation

Addis Ababa, July 16 (WIC) - Over one million hectares land suitable for Jatropha development is available in the country, the Ministry of Water and Energy said.
Public Relations and Communication Director with the Ministry, Bizuneh Tolcha told ENA that the stated area of land exist in Tigray, Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz and SNNP states.

The investors are undertaking development of Jatropha and other biodiesel plants on an area of over 85,000 hectares land, he said, adding, 4,000 hectares of the stated area of land is covered with Jatropha plantation.

Accordingly, Jatropha development is underway on only 80 hectares land in SNNP State. Similarly, 17.6 million Jatropha seedlings have been transplanted in Tigray State.

He said the plant is also being developed on 5000 hectares land in Oromia State while more than 200 million Jatropha seedlings are transplanted in 50 woredas of Amhara State as part of the activities to expand Jatropha plantation in the country.

Bizuneh said efforts are underway to expand Jatropha development in the country. Jatropha is a plant, which serves as energy source.