Pongamia pinnata as biodiesel crop — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2010
Other than Jatropha curcas, why is Pongamia pinnata also considered a good option for the production of bio-diesel in India?
- Pongamia pinnata grows naturally in most of the arid regions of India.
- 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 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- 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
