The Oriental Negros government is readying 50,000 Jathropa seedlings for planting next month at the Tamlang Valley, in Sta. Catalina.

This is in anticipation of the proposed ethanol plant in the place after the Bio-Fuel's law was recently signed by President Gloria Arroyo.

Board Member Henry Pryde Teves said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is recommending the planting of jathropa, instead of sugarcane, because of its strong roots which can hold water and help in the prevention of soil erosion.

Teves said a portion of his farm in Tayasan will also be planted with jathropa. He said jathropa has more advantages than sugarcane because these can be harvested within three years from planting.

Seven foreign investors have signified their willingness to develop a bio-fuel production plant in Tamlang Valley. Some of them are more interested in ethanol then sugarcane, Teves revealed.

He added that they will try to negotiate with the DENR for the use of a portion of Tamlang Valley for ethanol production.

Jathropa seedlings are now being reproduced in a nursery in Bayawan City and Basay with technical assistance from Philforest Company.

Meanwhile, the planting of sweet sorghum at the Tamlang Valley was put on hold on recommendation of the DENR.

Teves said he had started the campaign to propagate the sweet sorghum in Tamlang Valley in the last few months. The sweet sorghum is one of the potential sources of ethanol.*MA

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