Madurai: A survey conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has revealed that Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts in Tamil Nadu were suited for raising plantations that could be used for biomass power generation.

By raising plantations that could be used in biomass power generation, the wastelands in the dry southern districts could be converted into green lands. "Energy plantation could be harvested in a short time and are grown specifically for fuel purposes," says the study.

The survey was conducted following a meeting between Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Secretary Deepak Gupta with energy plantation owners,with power developers, non-governmental organisations and bank officials from southern districts.

Melia dubia (?Malai Vembu' in Tamil) and Leucaena leucocephala (Subabool) would produce about 100 tonnes per acre within three to four years.

Prosopis juliflora (kaattu karuvel in Tamil) trees, seen almost everywhere in dry districts of Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin,would yield 10 tonnes per acre in four years, the survey said.

Raising energy plantations would help in afforestation and meeting electricity requirements.

The biomass based power producers would enter into tripartite agrements with Bank and producers.

Two models had been evolved-in the first a one acre model, pure energy plantation crops had been mooted. In the second model of 2.5 acres, two acres would be covered with high value energy plantations while the remaining area would be reserved for horticulture tree crops such as mango and amla. Banks would provide loan.

Investment of about Rs. 62,000 and Rs.1,30,000 would be required for developing one acre and 2.5 acres farms respectively.