The average yield realized by conventional/control farms is 1787.5 kg per ha whereas the yield realized in model farms is 2414.8 kg/ha which is enhanced by 35%.The model farm initiatives started in 2020-21 in Rajasthan and it reached five states in 2023-24. In the meantime, India’s mustard seeds witnessed a remarkable increase in production from 8.6 Million tonnes(MT) to 11.35 MT in 2022-23 and it is projected to cross 12MT in 2023-24. “The model farms created a chain reaction in the past four years which coincide with India’s increased mustard production with increasing sowing areas by increasing from 6.70 million hectares to 10 million hectares,” said B V Mehta, Executive Director of Solvent Extraction Association (SEA). SEA and Solidaridad have taken the initiative of a farm model. 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. Besides, it is also water efficient and low cost of production and contributes export earning of about Rs. 5000 crores by exporting 22.00 lakh MT of Rapeseed Meal during 2023-24(Apr-Mar). “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,” says Vijay Data, Chairman of SEA RapeMustard Promotion Council.
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