Express News Service

MYSORE: As the demand for bio-fuel is on the rise, Labland Companies, promoting jatropha cultivation in the state, is set to commission a bio-diesel refinery in the city.

The setting up of a refinery will help crush one tonne of Jatropha seeds to produce biodiesel to meet the requirements of industries and transport departments.

Labland, a plant science company, realising the potential of jatropha, has taken up cultivation in Shimoga, Mangalore, Mysore and in more than 500 acres in Gujarat.

It has set up an oil expeller and refinery plant at a cost of Rs 22 lakh on its premises on KRS road.

The production will be stepped up to produce 1000 litres per day as they have purchased 35 tonnes of seeds in the open market.

The increase in yield after three years would also shoot up jatropha production in both Karnataka and Gujarat as the company is paying Rs 8 per kilo.

Knowing the success story of India in promoting jatropha plantation and bio-fuel production, the Malaysian minister and authorities visited the plant and earmarked about 5000 hectares for jatropha cultivation for rural electrification of Sarawak state.