Biofuel Project Planned: Buleleng, Bali

By Barrie | October 17th, 2007 | No Comments

Private investment company Bali Biofuel will cultivate castor oil plants (Jatropha curcas) in cooperation with farmers in 10 villages in Gerokgak district, in the north coast regency of Buleleng. The castor oil seedlings will be imported from India and planted on 2,160 hectares of land, part of the 5,100 hectares of land belonging to local farmers, a Bali Biofuel consultant told the Jakarta Post.

Speaking at a ceremony for the signing of an agreement between Bali Biofuel and the Buleleng regency administration, he said the cooperation was expected to increase the income of local farmers.

Gerokgak district was chosen for the project, according to Richard, because a study conducted by an Indian expert, N. Kumar, found the area ideal for cultivating castor-oil plants.

The first planting is expected to take place during the coming rainy season, he said.

Richard said a similar project was also being developed in Karangasem. The two projects will cover about 30,000 hectares of land with investment commitments of US$200 million, he said.

Buleleng Regent Putu Bagiada welcomed the project, saying it would benefit residents.

“The Buleleng administration is open to any investors intending to do business here,” he said.