I have been asked to post here for those living in India

Pankaj Oudhia has asked me to please spread the word and provide a link for others who may share concerns to read.

When will people learn that planting invasives is not a good idea? I read the article and I can't believe with that kind of information known, that any country would purposefully plant it. It's a crazy idea. I did a search on the plant as I'm not familiar with it. I stumbled upon a website telling of it's use for bio diesel. Most didn't see any harm with it. One person said if it could take the place of kudzu in GA (which isn't native), they were all for it. That comment can be read at the following website. You'll notice that I spelled kudzu correctly, they didn't, which makes me wonder if they're from GA.

http://forums.biodieselnow.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13398

The article you linked to was a good read. It makes me sick to my stomach to know that they know the facts but are willing to ignore them. Why? I'm sorry, I just can't find the words to properly explain how I felt reading that and knowing it was something anyone would want to do.

Please please, keep us informed of any updates.

I don't know much more than what I have read. It would appear the race for alternative energy sources is on and that there exist people who are willing to "overlook" that this plant is highly toxic to humans and livestock. Sadly, it would appear a Mexican Jatropha that isn't toxic and isn't carcinogenic is out there that could be cultivated for use as a biodiesel fuel.

I can certainly understand looking for an alternative. It's what they came up with that seems to be the biggest problem. Looking for a solution is a wise thing to do, but to introduce such an invasive and dangerous plant just seems so silly. My guess on the Mexican Jatropha is that it isn't being utilized because it doesn't grow as fast as an invasive species does. I certainly don't know. I hope Pankaj Oudhia can join us here and give at least me a better understanding of it.

There was talk at one time about starting giant reed farms here in Alabama. I don't know if anyone ever did, but here is info about it being proposed in Florida. Very scary indeed.
http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/landmanage/ExoticsGrant03/ExoticsMain/giant_reed.htm

The Sierra Club came out swinging at the mere mention of an Arundo donax introduction. I wonder what ever did happen.