| Backward Integration Strategy |
 | As most of the non-edible oils are obtained from seeds of tree species. Important tree-borne oilseed species in India are Neem (Azadirachta indica), Karanj (Pongamia pinnata), Mahua (Madhuca species), Undi (Calophyllum inophyllum) and Jatropha (Jatropha curcas). Although these species are well adapted to harsh weather conditions, there is a need to domesticate them for cultivation under different production systems on degraded lands and community wastelands. Therefore, Naturol has formed a subsidiary - NATUROL BIOCHEMICALS AND FOODS LIMITED - to focus on research into improved strains of Energy Crops sourced locally in India. |
| A detailed survey has been initiated through expert consultants on the various, available tree borne oilseeds spread over different parts of India. |
| Initiating a relationship with India's premier institute to conduct intensive research on combustion properties of these oil seeds for fuel application. |
| In-house research has been initiated for assessment and development of improved strains of Jatropha that would effectively increase the output of bio-fuel from different parameters. In this regard, Naturol has set-forth benchmarks, as requisites defining the quality of Jatropha. |
| Modal nurseries of over 200 acres area set-up in different parts of Andhra Pradesh that would supply Jatropha developed in-house meeting 15 benchmarks; assuring farmer on the quality of Jatropha. |
| Blue book on agronomic practices has been released to farmers that would determine the specific agro-climatic requirements, identifying superior seeds, proper space management, critical moisture regime for flower induction, enhancing the seed yield and calculation of cost-benefit analysis are essential before the farmers accept them as an important avenue for income generation |
| Farmer meetings, workshops and awareness programmes organised throughout Andhra Pradesh from about two years. Focus is on bringing awareness on Jatropha cultivation in wastelands / drylands that have been identified as about 6 lakh acres of the total land of about 4 million hectares available in Andhra Pradesh. Farmers are being motivated to grow Jatropha on wastelands / drylands and not on substituting the edible crops. |
| Government of Andhra Pradesh has been supportive to Jatropha initiative. Rain Shadow Agri Development (RSAD) and Department of Forestry have been instrumental in allotting 40,000 acres through nodal nurseries set-up in different regions of Andhra Pradesh. |
| Commenced working with several Farmers' Associations, Non Government Organizations and Government of Andhra Pradesh in encouraging Jatropha Plantation. |
| Setting up R &D lab to enable multiplication of the right germplasm which would be provided to the participating farmers to meet the escalating demand for Jatropha seedlings by adopting tissue culture methodology for development of cost-effective variant of Jatropha. |
| Discussion with private parties with synergistic capabilities to identify and develop genes that would control various aspects of development of the domestic energy crops and thus work towards improved genetically modified versions of the crop. |
