PNOC-Alternative Fuels Corp. (PAFC) recently signed an agreement with the Ilog Diversified Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Katilingban Sang Katawhan Sa Katayoyon Nga Kauswagan Sa Kabankalan Inc.(5K) to establish a 1,000-hectare jatropha curcas plantation in Negros Occidental. Jatropha Curcas is a very hardy plant that grows easily on infertile ground and its seeds could be used to make biodiesel.
Ilog Diversified Multi-Purpose Cooperative and 5ks will contribute 500 hectares each to the project for Jatropha cultivation. PNOC-AFC will supply the jatropha seedlings, farm inputs and pay for the labor during the planting process. The PNOC-AFC will also provide technical assistance for the setting up of the plantation and help in its maintenance for 18 months. The plantation will be jointly managed by PNOC-AFC and the cooperatives.
Growership program using cooperatives is a typical method used by agricultural companies to acquire massive land holdings for planting for crops. Since with the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law in effect in the Philippines, no entity (other than Indigenous People’s) are allowed to own huge tracts of agricultural land. The agri companies usually lease lands or enter into growership program with farmers, giving them technical assistance and a guaranteed market, in exchange for them planting their crops.
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Category: Biodiesel, Jatropha
