A Hand Book of Jatropha Curcas Linn. (Physic Nut)/edited by N.D. Prajapati and Tarun Prajapati. Jodhpur, Asian Medicinal Plants and Health Care Trust, 2005, vi, 106 p., tables, $11 (pbk). ISBN 81-89070-05-3.

    Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Botanical view. 3. Vernacular names. 4. Origin of Jatropha. 5. Chemical properties. 6. An interesting history and future of the plant. 7. Uses. 8. Toxicology. 9. Ecological requirements. 10. Cultivation and economic. 11. Prospects of expanding market for use of Jatropha curcus oil. 12. Activities of Rajasthan Agro Forestry Corporation. Bibliography.

    "The present book entitled "A Handbook of Jatropha Curcas (Physic nut)" specifically aims at highlighting the immense significance of Jatropha oil as a perpetually renewable source of energy to deal with energy crunch as a long term perspective plan. Chemical composition of Jatropha oil and experiments conducted on performance of diesel engines run on Jatropha oil, indicate the Jatropha oil could be used as a commercially viable alternative to diesel, kerosene, coal and also fuel wood. Unlimited potential exists in India for bringing millions of hectares of wastelands and barren agricultural lands under extensive plantations of Jatropha curcas, virtually converting such unproductive wastelands in to green oil fields. Jatropha curcas is a hardy non-exacting plant,  non-browsed by animals, has wide range of adaptability to variety of climate and soil; has a short gestation period of two to three years, and long productive life around 50 years. 

    The production of Jatropha oil will save foreign exchange worth several million dollars and also generate unlimited employment opportunities in rural areas. Jatropha oil oriented agro-forestry programme could thus be used as an effective tool to alleviate poverty, mitigate oil crisis and future energy and foreign exchange crunch. The non-consumptive utilization of the plant will facilitate protection of environment and ensure faster and durable a permanent, renewable source of energy.

    This handbook contains the complete information on various aspects such as botany, vernacular names, origin, chemical composition, history and future, uses, toxicology, ecological requirement, cultivation and economic, prospects of expanding market for use, activities of Rajasthan Agro Forestry Corporation (RAFC) etc. Therefore, the present handbook is one of the best efforts in the direction of presenting the wholesome information at one source.

    The language of the book is very simple and very much useful for farmers, exporters, extractors, importers, scientists, consultants and other stack holders of medicinal, aromatic and agro-forestry plants."

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