20th April, India occupies a prominent position in the oilseeds across the world. India is the 4th largest oil seed producing economy in the world after USA, China and Brazil. The rapeseed-mustard is the second most important oilseed crop, which is largely grown in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat with an estimated share of about 93% in total production in the country.
The rapeseed mustard accounts for nearly one-third of edible oil produced through primary sources making it the country’s key edible oilseed crop. The productivity of Rapeseed-mustard in India is the lowest among the major rapeseed-mustard growing countries. The gap in yield is because of lack of knowledge and awareness about the improved practices/technologies, least use of improved varieties, higher seed rate, lack of seed treatment, inadequate and imbalanced fertilizer use, lack of use of appropriate plant protection measures against pest and diseases, poor market connection, etc.
The Nation’s dependency over 70%on imported edible oil is a matter of concern for food security and to address this challenge, India needs to critically look into the ways and means to increase productivity of important oilseeds crops.
Mustard -hope for the future
To address this challenge, The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India together with Solidaridad is implementing the Mission Mustard Model Farms Project, since 2019, in Rajasthan; one of the largest mustard producers in India with an ambitious target of increasing the production of rapeseed mustard by 200 lakh tons by 2025.
Mustard Productivity – improve livelihood of Farmers
The study inferred that the average productivity of the Model Farms is about 50% higher than the productivity of the control group. The farmers are benefitted from cost savings and better yield coupled with lower production losses. Thereby, the mission significantly contributes towards the better livelihood of farmers while facilitating a bold step towards the Atma-nirbhar Bharat.
Higher Productivity- encourage shift up of Area
The study conducted by MART highlights a 75.2% per hectare surplus from the mustard crop as compared to 37.8% surplus on wheat cultivation. This will encourage the shift towards mustard crops particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and other states by demonstrating the financial viability of Mustard over conventional crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Says Mr. Atul Chaturvedi, President, The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India
“The Mustard Mission provides an important opportunity for improvement in production and productivity of oilseeds crops and thus, improving the lives of the farming family. It allows farmers’ access to cutting-edge technologies and agronomic practices to overcome production constraints as well as access to better infrastructure facilities and profitable markets. Said Dr Suresh Motwani, General Manager, Veg Oils, Solidaridad Network Asia”
We plan to establish more then 500 model farms in ensuing Rabi season connecting over 25,000 Mustard farmers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to demonstrate the way forward towards self-sufficiency in Edible oil. Says Dr. B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India.
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