Another year of Mustard Model Farms initiated by Solidaridad and The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India to increase mustard yields

Udaipur : In a significant step towards making India self-reliant in edible oil production, Solidaridad and The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) continues its efforts to boost mustard and rapeseed production in India. The initiative aims to bridge the country’s edible oil demand-supply gap by promoting scientific crop production technologies and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) among farmers. As part of this endeavor, 2,000 Mustard Model Farms (MMF) have been established across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan this year with the technical support from ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (ICAR-DRMR). This year, the MMF initiative focuses on introducing high-yielding mustard varieties (HYVs) seeds like DRMR 1165-40 and RH 725 developed by ICAR-DRMR, improving pest and disease management, promoting climate-resilient production methods and developing peer learning through Farmer Field Schools (FFS).

Launched in 2020-21, the MMF initiative has played a pivotal role in equipping farmers with advanced agricultural practices, enhancing both productivity and resilience. As a result, India’s mustard production has seen a remarkable upward trend, increasing from 8.6 million tons in 2020-21 to 11.00 million tons in 2021-22, 11.35 million tons in 2022-23, and 12 million tons in 2023-24. Similarly, the cultivation area has expanded annually, growing from 6.70 million hectares in 2020-21 to approximately 10 million hectares in 2023-24. This year, the MMF initiative incorporates Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) across 750 farms in Madhya Pradesh, 350 in Uttar Pradesh, and 900 in Rajasthan, serving as key knowledge hubs to facilitate wider farmer adoption.

The Mustard Model Farms have demonstrated significant yield improvements, with a comparison between farmers’ traditional practices and improved practices showing an average increase of 20% to 25%. Notably, in the year 2024-25 alone, yield improvement has been recorded at approximately 24%.

India, one of the world’s largest consumers of edible oil, currently relies on imports for over 60% of its demand, placing a heavy strain on foreign exchange reserves. Although mustard accounts for 28.6% of the country’s total oilseed production, productivity has remained stagnant at 1-1.3 tonnes per hectare for the past two decades, hindered by traditional farming practices, rainfed cultivation, pest infestations, and low market prices. Recognizing the urgent need for transformation, the Government of India has been driving strategic interventions to enhance domestic edible oil production.

The current initiative adopts a structured approach to enhance mustard farming. It begins with the selection of lead farmers and geo-tagging plots, followed by soil testing and issuing Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to ensure balanced nutrient management. Lead farmers undergo Training of Trainers (ToT) programs, equipping them with knowledge on high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, seed treatment, and pest control. Quality inputs such as mustard seeds, Trichoderma, PSB, Azotobacter, and micronutrient sprays are distributed to farmers, while Farmer Field Schools (FFS) serve as knowledge-sharing platforms for practical learning. Additionally, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, including pictorial guides and field information boards, are developed to enhance awareness. Monitoring through field visits and tracking sheets ensures the adoption of best practices, while Farmer Field Days facilitate comparative demonstrations, fostering wider participation.

Technological Innovations

ICT tools such as mobile-based advisories, real-time pest diagnostics via WhatsApp, and virtual training sessions have significantly increased accessibility and adoption of best practices among farmers. The initiative has also introduced climate-resilient farming techniques to mitigate risks associated with erratic weather patterns.

Industry leaders endorse the initiative

Shree Sanjeev K. Asthana, President of SEA, highlighted the project’s success “This is 5^th year of The Mustard Model Farm Project and it has demonstrated tremendous potential in enhancing mustard production. This initiative plays a crucial role in reducing India’s dependence on edible oil imports, contributing to the nation’s goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) in Edible Oils. With mustard accounting for 40% of India’s total edible oil production, the MMF project not only enhances farmer resilience but also strengthens the agricultural economy, ensuring a sustainable, high-yielding, and climate-resilient mustard sector”.

Mr. Vijay Data, Chairman of SEA Rape-Mustard Promotion Council, emphasized “With India’s mustard production rising from 8.6 million tons in 2020-21 to 11.35 million tons in 2022-23, the MMF initiative has significantly contributed to this growth. The project also focuses on expanding cultivation areas, enhancing oil content in mustard seeds around 38-42%, and promoting sustainable practices like bio-fertilizers, reduced pesticide use, and climate-smart agriculture. We appreciate the technical knowledge support provided by the Directorate of Rapeseed – Mustard Research Centre Bharatpur Government of India for mustard model farm and we look forward for continued cooperation and support from the institute. We remain committed to work together for the large-scale expansion of such initiative.”

Dr. Suresh Motwani, Head of Vegetable Oils Solidaridad, stated “The MMF initiative has yielded significant impacts, including the adoption of HYV mustard seeds like DRMR 1165-40 and RH 725, resulting in improved plant growth through optimized seed rates and nutrient application. Targeted pest management techniques have led to a reduction in pest incidence, while better agronomic practices have contributed to higher yields and profitability. The program has also promoted the active involvement of women farmers in sustainable mustard farming. Additionally, knowledge dissemination has been amplified through digital platforms like Krishi Choupal, advisories, and toll-free farmer helplines, ensuring that crucial agricultural insights reach a broader farming community.”

Dr. B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, reinforced the project’s importance “Rapeseed and mustard are among the most promising oilseed crops for reducing India’s dependence on imports. Strengthening extension services and farmer awareness on superior cultivation techniques is crucial to achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils and fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat”.