We are in the process of identifying smallholder Jatropha farmers and grower associations from which to purchase seeds. The purpose of the commercial operations is to provide smallholder farmers with a market for their seeds and an opportunity to learn and adopt best agricultural and business practices. In March 2008, we signed an agreement with an association of Jatropha farmers in Báruè, province of Manica for technical assistance and the purchase of seeds.

 

The commercial operations are expected to contribute significantly to the knowledge base of Jatropha and to the local development of the Kijani and Odeveza brands, and they will be at least minimally profitable. On this endeavour, we will work with the agricultural extension services of the Ministry of Agriculture to identify smallholders and associations of growers, establish a series of collection centres, and establish an infrastructure for the dissemination of best practices and the collection of farming experiences.