The Mustard Model Farm Project: Pioneering Self-Reliance in India’s Oilseed Production

An initiative by The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India and Solidaridad augmenting the Rapeseed-Mustard production

Udaipur : The Mustard Model Farm Project, launched collectively by The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and Solidaridad in 2020-21, continues its commitment to increase Rapeseed-Mustard production in India. So far, more than 3500 model farms have been setup under the programme covering more than 125,000 farmers in 5 States. As a result of these concerted efforts coupled with favorable weather and price of mustard seed, India has witnessed a remarkable increase in mustard production year after year, around 8.6 million tons in 2020-21, 11.00 million tons in 2021-22 and 11.35 million tons in 2022-23 mustard production recorded. Also there has been expansion in cultivation areas annually as in 2020-21 it was 6.70 million hectares and it reached 8.80 million hectares in 2022-23. The production of mustard seed is likely to touch an all-time high of 12.0 million tons in 2023-24 season with sown in record 10.0 million hectares  area boosting domestic supplies of edible oils.

The Mustard Model Farm project was incepted in 2020-21 with 400 model farms in 5 Districts of Rajasthan only. In 2021-22, project has been expanded to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with 500 more model farms. In 2022-23, 1234 model farms are developed and along with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh project has been expanded to Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) and Sangrur (Punjab) and in 2023-24, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Karnataka are newly added in the list. Thus, more than 3500 model farms have been setup so far in 5 States.

India has emerged as the largest importer of edible oils in the world. The present rate of edible oil consumption in India surpasses the domestic production rate. Hence, the country has to rely on imports to meet the gap between demand and supply. At present, India meets nearly 60% of its edible oil demand through imports. As per SEA latest data during 2022-23 (Nov-Oct) India imported 16.47 million tons of edible oils valued at Rs. 1.38 lakh cores (US$ 16.65 billion). It emphasizes the need for self-sufficiency in edible oil production to mitigate this impact.

The nation’s dependency on imported edible oil is a matter of concern and to address this challenge, India needs to critically look into the ways and means to increase productivity of oilseeds crops including important crops i.e. mustard. In India, Rapeseed and Mustard accounts for nearly one third of edible oil produced through primary sources making it country’s key edible oilseed crop. It is one the most promising oilseed crop for reducing dependence on edible oil imports. Besides this, the crop offers higher returns with low cost of production and less water requirement for irrigation and also contribute export earning of about Rs. 5000 crores by exporting 22.00 lakh MT of Rapeseed Meal during 2023-24(Apr-Mar).

The Mustard Model farms has been implemented various strategies and interventions to achieve this target, focusing primarily on enhancing mustard yield through innovative farming practices, advanced technology adoption, and comprehensive farmer support programmes. Through the dissemination of best agricultural practices, access to high-quality seeds, modern farming equipment, and expert guidance, the project aims to empower farmers to optimize their productivity and yield potential.

Apart from the techno-economic inputs, under the project farmers are also facilitated with trainings and capacity building though its unique Farmer’s Field school (FFS) in each of the blocks. These FFS act as a strong community institution where farmers share their learnings with each other. It is expected that the improved knowledge of farmers and adoption of set of proven technologies and good practices as well as access to quality inputs and markets would increase the yield and income significantly while ensuring better environmental performance.

Further, introduction of the digital application-based supported farmers on good practices, which includes ICT led extension and advisory systems to ensure better access to appropriate and real-time information tailored to the need of farmers. The tools/mobile applications would also provide benchmarking and tracking the impact of good practices and improved technologies on farm production and income as well as environmental performances of practices adopted by farmers.

INCREASE IN YIELD OVER 5 YEARS OF IN MODEL FARMS V/S CONTROL

• 35% increase in yield of mustard over the 5 years of Mustard model farm project
• The average yield realized by control farms is 1787.5 kg per ha whereas the yield realized in model farms is 2414.8 kg/ha

Mr. Ajay Jhunjhunwala, President of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, stated, “The success of the Mustard Model Farm projects is evident from the data, which clearly reflect the significant growth in mustard production. These projects have not only demonstrated the potential of mustard cultivation but have also paved the way for enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across the nation. We are encouraged by the positive outcomes and remain committed to furthering such initiatives that contribute to the prosperity of the agricultural sector in India. Through sustainable practices and innovative approaches, we have witnessed remarkable growth in mustard production, which aligns with India’s vision of achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil. “

“Mustard is the most important oilseed crop for increasing the domestic edible oil production and to make India self-reliant in edible oil while enhancing income and livelihood of farmers. We are confident that Mustard Model Farm project would significantly advance the existing practices and contribute towards income and livelihood of farmers, increase edible oil pool to attain the self-sufficiency and foster the growth of domestic edible oil industries said, Mr. Vijay Data, Chairman of SEA Rape-Mustard Promotion Council.

Dr. Suresh Motwani, General Manager of Solidaridad, states- These projects have demonstrated the potential of mustard cultivation to contribute to the country’s food security and reduce dependency on imports. Through sustainable practices and innovative approaches, we have witnessed remarkable growth in mustard production, which aligns with India’s vision of achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil. 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. B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, asserts- “Rapeseed and Mustard stand out as among the most promising oilseed crops in our quest to diminish dependence on edible oil imports. It is imperative that we provide robust support to oilseed growers, particularly through efficient extension services, to bridge the awareness gap among farmers regarding superior cultivation techniques. Now is the opportune moment to bolster our efforts and empower oilseed producers, thus advancing towards greater self-sufficiency in edible oil production and fulfill the vision of Prime Minister’s Shri Narendra Modi on “Atmanirabhar Bharat”.