This is with reference to the article "Is Biofuel the energy of future?" (Business Line, September 20). Tamil Nadu was the first State to call for applications from those interested in jatropha cultivation and also sweet sorghum.

The State government had called for some 40 private companies and we were one among them.

Till date the government of Tamil Nadu has not finalised a list. On enquiring from the agricultural department, we understood that the final list had been submitted to the Chief Minister's Secretariat.

Many investors from North India are acquiring lands in Tamil Nadu at cheaper prices to cultivate Jatropha curcas.

The State boasts only two big companies — D1 Oils and M/s. Bannari Amman Sugars — that are ahead of others in cultivation whereas smaller companies are struggling to obtain funds for their projects.

We suggest that small-scale biodiesel industries be given preference. It was sad that the article in the Business Line did not take note of M/s. Renulakshmi Agro Industries Ltd, a Coimbatore-based company and the pioneer of Jatropha curcas cultivation in Tamil Nadu.

S.A. Alagarsamy

MD, "Dr MGR Jatropha Biodiesel Project"

Hyderabad

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