Average mustard yields can jump by 35% with right practices: SEA study
A study by the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA) has found that the average mustard yield can increase by 35% over five years if ideal agronomic practices are adopted. The study, conducted in collaboration with Solidaridad Network, involved around 3,500 model farms across five states, involving over 125,000 farmers. The study found a 35% increase in mustard yield over five years in model farms compared to regular ones. The yield increases were achieved using the currently available seeds and no genetically modified (GM) seeds were used. Farmers were also trained through unique Farmers Field Schools (FFS) at the block level. The study suggests mustard is an ideal crop for low monsoon and less irrigated areas, as it offers higher returns with a low cost of production and less water. A growth in mustard seed yield could also reduce India's import dependency on edible oils. India's mustard seed production has grown from 8.6 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 11.35 million tonnes in 2022-23, and the area under the crop has risen from 6.70 million hectares to 8.80 million hectares.
