UPSC Prelims 2010 Q60: Environment & Ecology – Renewable Energy & Green Technologies
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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Why Pongamia pinnata suits bio-diesel production
Besides Jatropha curcas, Pongamia pinnata (karanja) is another promising bio-diesel feedstock in India, for two complementary reasons.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Grows naturally in most arid regions of India | Correct | Pongamia pinnata is a hardy, drought-tolerant tree that grows naturally across most of India's arid and semi-arid regions, needing little cultivation input |
| 2. Seeds rich in lipid content, nearly half oleic acid | Correct | Pongamia seeds have a high oil (lipid) content, with roughly half of that lipid being oleic acid, making the oil well-suited for bio-diesel conversion |
Pongamia pinnata for bio-diesel:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Hardy, grows naturally across arid/semi-arid India |
| Seed chemistry | High lipid content, ~half oleic acid |
| Together | Make it a low-input, high-yield bio-diesel feedstock, alongside Jatropha |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 (seed lipid content) is also correct, so '1 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 (arid-region growth) is also correct, so '2 only' is incomplete.
- (c) CORRECT. Both Pongamia's hardy growth across arid regions and its oleic-acid-rich seed oil make it a strong bio-diesel candidate.
- (d) Incorrect. Since both statements are accurate, 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Pongamia pinnata suits bio-diesel production for TWO reasons: it grows naturally across most of India's arid regions (low input need), AND its seeds are rich in lipid content, nearly half of which is oleic acid.
Remember
Pongamia pinnata for bio-diesel: grows naturally across arid India AND has seeds rich in lipid content (nearly half oleic acid) — both factors matter.
Common mistakes
- Assuming only one of the two factors (habitat hardiness or seed chemistry) explains Pongamia's suitability, missing the other.
- Underestimating Pongamia's drought tolerance and wide natural distribution across arid India.
- Missing the specific oleic acid proportion detail that makes the seed oil suitable for bio-diesel.
Exam tip
Pongamia's bio-diesel edge is twofold: hardy arid-region growth (low input) PLUS oleic-acid-rich seed oil (good conversion).
Sources
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India — National Policy on Biofuels (2009)
- Planning Commission, Government of India — Report of the Committee on Development of Bio-Fuel (2003)