A decision support strategy for Jatropha seed collection for biodiesel making through graphical approach

Abstract

Oil from Jatropha and Pongamia seeds are more appropriate in the production of bio-diesel. This bio energy replaces petro-diesel and deserves specific attention. However the warehousing and distribution of oil seeds is highly a dense task. This issue is being addressed by many supply chain models using different algorithms namely, Markov chain process, Integer Programming, Benders decomposition, etc., The above mentioned algorithms give variety of solutions in the respective systems. The proposed model recommends the method of finding the optimal distribution centre(s) of Jatropha seed through optimised unilateral graphical approach with possible and necessary constraints. (Whichever applicable, and wherever needed).The supply chain process consists of four different levels of modules. This paper is focused on the initial level of process to identify the appropriate solution of distribution method using graphical approach algorithmically. The resultant solution obtained may go ahead to the next level of the module in the supply chain with network.