Jatropha plantation : a study on planter's opportunities in Beaufort / Hildegarda Stanislaus Puyushi

Jatropha Curcas as a source of renewable energy has attracted such a great deal of interest around the world that it has sparked off a flurry of local and foreign companies to invest in planting this non-edible Jatropha where the oil can be used as a component of bio-diesel. With all the developments in Jatropha within our neighboring countries and the edge of Jatropha oil over other food based vegetables, one can easily see that it is timely for Sabah particularly to embark into the development of Jatropha as an industry. The State of Sabah should greatly encourage active participation of the private sector both local and foreign to spearhead the development of Jatropha in Sabah and around the country. The writer/researcher foresees that Jatropha is suitable for rural development program. It not only benefits the country in terms of renewable energy resources but it also offers prospects for economic growth. The multiple benefits offered by Jatropha bodes well for economic expansion. For the farmers in Sabah, especially the hardcore poor families, this is an opportunity to participate in the scheme as to improve their incomes and well-beings. Jatropha cultivation can be made as another economic activity for the rural folks, especially in Beaufort, because Jatropha is easy to be planted, managed and its ability to grow even on non-productive soil.