D1 expands jatropha planting areas worldwide

D1 Oils has planted or obtained rights to offtake from a total of 175,081 hectares of jatropha worldwide. The increase in planting is accounted for predominantly by planting in India, with planting under contract farming in the North East with Williamson Magor making particularly good progress, the company said. “The level of investment costs and security of future oil supply from planting are proportional to the degree of direct involvement by D1 and its partners.” The company also said that the added multiplication of its first E1 elite seed material, selected for higher yield and good biodiesel profile, is now fully underway in all three regions. It is on track to plant 50,000 hectares of E1 elite seed in 2008. (July 27, 2008)