Labland Biodiesel, a biotechnology firm based in Mysuru, has partnered with companies in Italy and Oman to launch large-scale plantations of bioenergy crops abroad to support biodiesel production, reports The Hindu.
With over 30 years of experience in bioenergy and plant tissue culture, the company has built a strong foundation in developing high-yield varieties of Jatropha, a non-edible crop used to produce biodiesel.
The collaboration with an Italian firm, which began in February 2025, has started with pilot plantations in Italy, Spain, and Greece. Each country is expected to scale up to 10,000 acres. According to the company, this partnership will help create a strong supply chain and establish connections with oil distribution firms in these regions.
In another major move, Labland signed an agreement with a partner in Oman in September 2024 to develop Jatropha and other biofuel crop plantations across the Middle East. The two companies will also work together on research to identify suitable high-yield crops for the region, improve processing methods, and explore ways to utilise waste and capture carbon emissions.
“India heavily depends on diesel imports, with nearly 88.2% of its 95 million tonne requirement for 2025–26 coming from abroad,” said Sudheer Shetty, founder chairman of Labland Group of Companies. “Our goal is to produce 1.5 million tonnes of biodiesel annually. Under the first phase, we’re developing 100,000 acres with an investment of ₹6,500 crore, aiming for a daily production capacity of 500 tonnes.”
Labland’s managing director Meghana Bhat said the company hopes to contribute significantly to reducing emissions. “This initiative will help us capture carbon and support the clean energy transition in the regions we operate. We’re investing in advanced technologies and better integration to unlock the full potential of carbon revenue,” she said.
The company has also received a Letter of Intent for a €500 million investment from a major European firm. Talks are ongoing with the government of Bahrain and companies in Kenya, Spain, and Greece for future collaborations.
