The Solvent Extractors’ Affiliation of India (SEA) and Solidaridad, with technical help from ICAR – Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Analysis (ICAR-DRMR), have established 2,000 mustard model farms (MMF) this yr throughout Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
This yr, MMF initiative focuses on introducing high-yielding mustard selection (HYV) seeds like DRMR 1165-40 and RH 725 developed by ICAR-DRMR, enhancing pest and illness administration, selling climate-resilient manufacturing strategies and growing peer studying by means of farmer discipline colleges (FFS).
The MMF initiative this yr incorporates entrance line demonstrations throughout 750 farms in Madhya Pradesh, 350 in Uttar Pradesh, and 900 in Rajasthan, serving as key information hubs to facilitate wider farmer adoption.
Structured strategy
An announcement by SEA mentioned the present initiative adopts a structured strategy to reinforce mustard farming. It begins with the number of lead farmers and geo-tagging plots, adopted by soil testing and issuing soil well being playing cards to make sure balanced nutrient administration. Lead farmers endure coaching of trainers programmes, equipping them with information on HYV seeds, seed therapy, and pest management.
High quality inputs are distributed to farmers, whereas FFS function knowledge-sharing platforms for sensible studying. Monitoring by means of discipline visits and monitoring sheets ensures the adoption of greatest practices, whereas farmer discipline days facilitate comparative demonstrations, fostering wider participation.
Quoting Sanjeev Okay Asthana, President of SEA, the assertion mentioned the MMF undertaking, which is in the fifth yr, has demonstrated super potential in enhancing mustard manufacturing. This initiative performs an important function in decreasing India’s dependence on edible oil imports, contributing to the nation’s objective of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in edible oils. With mustard accounting for 40 per cent of India’s whole edible oil manufacturing, the MMF undertaking not solely enhances farmer resilience but in addition strengthens the agricultural financial system, making certain a sustainable, high-yielding, and climate-resilient mustard sector, he mentioned.
Sustainable practices
Vijay Knowledge, Chairman of SEA Rape-Mustard Promotion Council, mentioned the undertaking focuses on increasing cultivation areas, enhancing oil content material in mustard seeds round 38-42 per cent, and selling sustainable practices like bio-fertilizers, diminished pesticide use, and climate-smart agriculture. He appreciated the technical information help supplied by the DRMR for MMF.
Suresh Motwani, Head of Vegetable Oils Solidaridad, mentioned the programme has promoted the energetic involvement of girls farmers in sustainable mustard farming. Moreover, information dissemination has been amplified by means of digital platforms like Krishi Choupal, advisories, and toll-free farmer helplines, making certain that essential agricultural insights attain a broader farming group.
BV Mehta, Government Director of SEA, mentioned rapeseed and mustard are among the many most promising oilseed crops for decreasing India’s dependence on imports. Strengthening extension companies and farmer consciousness on superior cultivation methods are essential to attaining self-sufficiency in edible oils, he mentioned.
Launched in 2020-21, MMF initiative has performed a key function in equipping farmers with superior agricultural practices, enhancing each productiveness and resilience.
The assertion mentioned India’s mustard manufacturing has seen a exceptional upward development, rising from 8.6 million tonnes (mt) in 2020-21 to 11 mt in 2021-22, 11.35 mt in 2022-23, and 12 mt in 2023-24.
Equally, the cultivation space has expanded yearly, rising from 6.70 million hectares (mh) in 2020-21 to roughly 10 mh in 2023-24.
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