Mustard sowing has started on a significant basis, with acreages observing an 84 percent increase in Rajasthan, which is the largest producing state for the rabi oilseed crop. According to the data from the Rajasthan Agriculture Department, Mustard Acreage till October 24 was at around 16.24 lakh hectares against the corresponding last year’s 9.12 lakh hectares. The coverage of mustard acreage almost climbed the halfway mark of the five-year average.
Mustard Acreage in Rajasthan is nearly 33.72 lakh hectares
The mustard acreage in Rajasthan was at nearly 33.72 lakh hectares, and the five-year average since 2019-20 is 35.22 lakh hectares during the Rabi 2024-25 season. According to trade sources, the high soil moisture, along with fair ruling prices, has been seen prompting more farmers to plant mustard this rabi season. In addition, the Solvent Extractors Association of India stated that the ex-mandi mustard prices in Rajasthan, the leading state in the production of oilseed crop, were floating at 72,000 per tonne, an increase of 6.42 per cent from the corresponding period last year’s Rs. 62,346 per tonne.
Centre declared an MSP of Rs. 6,200 per quintal
The prevailing mustardprices in the market are floating above the minimum support price (MSP) levels. The Centre has declared an MSP of Rs. 6,200 per quintal for the rabi marketing season 2026-27, which is a rise of Rs 250 in comparison to last year. BV Mehta, Executive Director, Solvent Extract Association, has said: “ Soil Moisture is good due to the late monsoon, and reservoirs are full in the north and eastern parts. If the climate remains good, we can expect a much better crop this year. The improved water availability and favourable prices should witness the acreages and production of mustard increasing this season. Notably, India’s mustard production was at 126.06 lakh tonnes during 2024-25, a decrease from the last year’s 132.59 lakh tonnes.