**14.** *Jatropha curcas*

Jatropha is a second-generation biofuel resource that is prized for its high oil content, low seed cost, ease of land reclamation, and adaptability to a variety of marginal and semi-marginal areas [103]. The extensive potential of this plant, as well as the many uses of different plant components, has made cultivation of this species highly profitable [104]. Because fossil fuels constitute a significant danger to energy security and have negative environmental consequences, efforts are underway to partially replace fossil fuels with biofuels. The high oil content of up to 50% of its seeds, which can be easily processed to partially or completely replace petroleum-based diesel fuel, has recently attracted interest [105, 106]. Jatropha is a non-food crop, which distinguishes it from the fuel vs. food debate. It has a flash point of 235°C and a calorific value of 39.63 MJ kg−1, making it appropriate for use as a biofuel. Jatropha oil has a similar composition as peanut, palm, and corn oil, with 45.79% oleic acid (18:1), 32.27% linoleic acid (18:2), 13.37% palmitic acid (16:0), and 5.43% stearic acid (18:0). Jatropha is second only to oil palm in terms of oil production per hectare, which encourages its planting around the world. To mitigate financial risk, jatropha farmers have reportedly avoided cultivating the crop on marginal and ruinous lands, but this is no longer possible [107–109]. Because jatropha is widely available in India, it can be used as an alternative energy source to ensure the country's energy security. By 2020, India plans to increase biodiesel production and replace 20% of diesel usage. Depending on the potential yield of the plant types and additional improvement projects, the area required to accomplish this substitution aim ranges from 4.24 to 66.98 million hectares (Mha). Because of the vast amount of open wastelands in India, this goal is achievable. The CSIR-CSMCRI is well-known around the world for its work on Jatropha elite accessions selection, cultivation, genetic enhancement, and biodiesel production (**Figure 2**) [110, 111].

**Figure 2.** *Future perspectives of Jatropha for oil improvement.*
