Average Mustard Yields Can Jump by 35% with Right Practices
In the ongoing discourse surrounding crop yields, a study conducted by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has revealed that the adoption of optimal agricultural practices has the potential to increase the average mustard yield by up to 35% over a span of five years, even with the currently available seeds. The SEA, a prominent organization representing domestic oilseed crushers, collaborated with an international civil society organization, Solidaridad Network, to execute a pilot project aimed at fostering socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and financially viable development of supply chains.
Initially launched in five districts of Rajasthan during the 2020-21 periods, encompassing 400 farms, this initiative gradually expanded to encompass other significant mustard-producing states. It was implemented across approximately 3,500 model farms in five states, involving more than 125,000 farmers.
The study unveiled that compared to conventional fields, the average mustard yield in model farms experienced a 35% increase over five years, surging from 1,787 kilograms to 2,414.8 kilograms. The SEA emphasized, Mustard model farms employed diverse strategies to accomplish this objective, with a primary focus on embracing innovative agricultural practices and implementing extensive farmer support programs.