Economics for the people: "In addition to saving on imports of diesel of fossil fuel origin and curbing pollution, the point of the plan is to promote social development by boosting smallholder agriculture."
RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 26 (IPS) - The physic nut tree, which has a lifespan of over 40 years, is resistant to drought and benefits small farmers, is a potential source of biodiesel in Brazil, as is the babassu, a coconut palm from the eastern Amazonian region.
Nothing can yet be stated for certain about the physic nut tree, because it is not cultivated commercially in the country, and research into its potential uses only began two or three years ago, said Marcos Antonio Drumond, a forestry engineer with the state Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) at its specialist centre in the semi-arid northeast.
At least two more years are needed to establish the viability of physic nut cultivation, after investigating its productivity in various soil and climatic conditions, the expert told IPS. EMBRAPA is carrying out field trials in four areas with different temperatures, altitudes and rainfall patterns.
The aim is to include the tree among oil-bearing plants that can provide raw material for diesel motor fuel, such as soy beans, castor beans, palm trees, sunflower and cottonseed, as well as animal fats.
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