Role of Jatropha in the Market:
As a feedstock of the non-food category,
jatropha has gathered recognition as a biofuel with bright prospects. It appears to be an excellent alternative energy solution. For countries dependent on agriculture but poor in fossil fuel resource levels, jatropha oil can become not only an excellent source for automotive energy, but also a principal export commodity.
It is to be noted that jatropha biodiesel has already made its mark in the fuel industry by acting as a substitute for automotive fuels like diesel for locomotives.
Status of Jatropha in the Market:
Even though the situation of jatropha in the market cannot be defined as precarious, it is quite accurate to state that it has encountered much competition from other food stocks. One of the greatest positives about jatropha is its high percentage of oil content, which has been potentially responsible in gathering the preference of a body of consumers.
Trends in the Marketing of Jatropha:
However, the market is always dynamic. It is mandatory to observe shifts in the trends even while marketing products related to jatropha.
Three trends are primarily observed in the marketing of jatropha:
- Jatropha is being commercialized in less developed and developing countries in order to promote its production.
- The governments have been actively involved in the production of jatropha and its oils. Among the latest jatropha production trends, this one is particularly important, since it grants these ventures the consent and support of national governments, thereby prioritizing them. Moreover, energy production giants are also made involved in these projects.
- Not only is the production of jatropha oil necessary for the betterment of the economy, but also for the global demand for biofuels and biodiesel. The third trend in jatropha production, therefore, renders these projects with both facets of its proposed goals - to contribute to the global supply of biofuels on the one hand, and to contribute to the national economy in general on the other.