Other than Jatropha curcas, why is Pongamia pinnata also considered a good option for the production of bio-diesel in India?

1. Pongamia pinnata grows naturally in most of the arid regions of India.
2. The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are rich in lipid content of which nearly half is oleic acid.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Both statements are correct

• Pongamia pinnata is a leguminous tree whose seeds contain a high proportion of oil. Nearly half of the lipid content of the seed oil consists of oleic acid, which is suitable for bio-diesel production due to its favourable combustion and stability characteristics. Pongamia Pinnata is adaptable to arid zones, hence grows naturally in most of the arid regions of India.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2