>> It would be interesting to know what if
>> any other crops it competes with and whether its promotion will
>> affect food production in any way.

> None whatsoever. The plan is to grow Jatropha on land which has no
> chance of being cultivated. And to shift farmlands with low yields 
> of
> other crops to Jatropha making more sense economically.

That sounds good but even moving from low yield crops to biofuel 
feedstock can have undesirable consequences. I'm not saying that it 
shouldn't be done - just that the true costs need to be carefully 
watched. It may increase the lowest incomes - but it may instead lead 
to a decrease in living standards for those at the very bottom. The 
fact that some people are cropping on very low yield land suggests 
either a very low income level or the ability to produce food at a 
lower price than it can be bought elsewhere. Increasing the return of 
such farmers with an increased income crop may indeed put more food in 
people's mouths - but it also may make bottom of the market food 
dearer for those who can afford nothing else. This is more likely to 
be the case if the poorest farmers are net producers and sell to 
others who are also poor but not directly involved in food production. 
The end result may be greater overall satisfaction at the expense of 
the poorest. If "market forces" / invisible hand etc are acceptable 
ways to run such decisions then all is well. But if you are a very 
poor non food producer then you may not feel totally happy with the 
effect on your family.


        Russell.


-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist