Other than Jatropha curcas, why is Pongamia pinnata also considered a good option for the production of biodiesel 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 statement given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 3 (Both 1 and 2) because both statements accurately describe the biological and geographical advantages of Pongamia pinnata (Karanj) for biodiesel production.

• Statement 1 is correct: Pongamia pinnata is a hardy, nitrogen-fixing tree that grows naturally across various agro-climatic zones in India. It is particularly well-adapted to arid, semi-arid, and marginal lands, as it is highly drought-resistant and can survive in poor soils where food crops cannot thrive.
• Statement 2 is correct: The seeds of Pongamia have a high lipid (oil) content, typically ranging from 30% to 40%. Crucially, about 45-55% of this oil consists of oleic acid (a monounsaturated fatty acid). This chemical composition is ideal for biodiesel because it provides a good balance between oxidative stability and cold-flow properties.

Therefore, its ability to grow in stressed environments combined with its favorable fatty acid profile makes it a viable alternative to Jatropha for India's biofuel security.