Mustard Model Farms Initiative Expands to Boost India’s Self-Reliance in Edible Oil Production
Udaipur, March 15 In a landmark effort to reduce India’s dependence on edible oil imports, Solidaridad and The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) have expanded their Mustard Model Farms (MMF) initiative to further enhance mustard and rapeseed production across the country. This year, the initiative has set up 2,000 model farms in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with technical support from ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (ICAR-DRMR).
The MMF program, launched in 2020-21, focuses on scientific crop production technologies and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to maximize mustard yields. This season, it introduces high-yielding mustard varieties (HYVs) such as DRMR 1165-40 and RH 725, strengthens pest and disease management, and promotes climate-resilient agricultural techniques.
Significant Growth in Mustard Production and Cultivation Area
The Mustard Model Farms initiative has played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s mustard output, showing a consistent upward trend in both production and cultivation area:
- 2020-21: 8.6 million tons harvested from 6.7 million hectares
- 2021-22: 11.00 million tons
- 2022-23: 11.35 million tons
- 2023-24: 12.00 million tons from nearly 10 million hectares
This year, the initiative incorporates Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) across 750 farms in Madhya Pradesh, 350 in Uttar Pradesh, and 900 in Rajasthan, serving as knowledge hubs for widespread adoption.
Yield Improvements and Farm Productivity Gains
The Mustard Model Farms have demonstrated remarkable productivity increases, with yield improvements ranging between 20% to 25%. In 2024-25, the average yield improvement has reached 24%, reinforcing the initiative’s success.
| State | No. of MMFs Established | Yield (Kg/ha) Farmers’ Practices | Yield (Kg/ha) Improved Practices | % Increase Over FP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | 900 | 1800 | 2200 | 22% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 750 | 1918 | 2384 | 24% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 350 | 1638 | 2169 | 24.9% |
This demonstrated increase in yield underlines the effectiveness of scientific farming techniques, improved seed varieties, and best agronomic practices.
Bridging India’s Edible Oil Demand-Supply Gap
Despite being one of the largest consumers of edible oil, India imports over 60% of its demand, putting immense pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
Mustard contributes 28.6% of India’s total oilseed production Productivity has remained stagnant at 1-1.3 tonnes per hectare for two decades Challenges include traditional farming, rainfed cultivation, pest infestation, and volatile market prices
Recognizing this, the Government of India has implemented strategic interventions to enhance domestic edible oil production, with the MMF initiative playing a vital role.
Structured Approach to Boost Mustard Farming
The MMF initiative follows a structured methodology to enhance mustard productivity:
Geo-tagging and soil testing: Farmers receive Soil Health Cards (SHCs) for balanced nutrient management. Training of Trainers (ToT) Programs: Lead farmers are trained on HYV seeds, seed treatment, and pest control. Quality Inputs Distribution: Trichoderma, PSB, Azotobacter, and micronutrient sprays provided for better yields. Farmer Field Schools (FFS): Knowledge-sharing platforms facilitating on-ground learning. Information, Education & Communication (IEC): Pictorial guides and field information boards enhance awareness. Monitoring & Field Demonstrations: Tracking sheets, field visits, and Farmer Field Days ensure effective implementation.
This step-by-step approach empowers farmers with scientific knowledge, best farming practices, and improved resilience against climate challenges.
Technological Innovations: ICT Tools, Digital Advisory & Climate-Resilient Farming
Technology has been a game-changer for the MMF initiative, making information accessible and actionable for farmers.
Mobile-based advisories and virtual training sessions enhance farmer knowledge. Real-time pest diagnostics via WhatsApp improves disease and pest management. Climate-resilient techniques help mitigate risks related to unpredictable weather patterns.
The integration of digital solutions ensures rapid, widespread adoption of best agricultural practices.
Industry Leaders Endorse the Initiative
Sanjeev K. Asthana, President of SEA:
“Now in its 5th year, the Mustard Model Farm Project has demonstrated tremendous potential in increasing mustard production. It significantly reduces India’s dependency on edible oil imports and strengthens the agricultural economy. Mustard, contributing 40% of India’s edible oil production, is crucial to our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).”
Vijay Data, Chairman of SEA Rape-Mustard Promotion Council:
“With mustard production rising from 8.6 million tons in 2020-21 to 11.35 million tons in 2022-23, the MMF initiative has been instrumental in driving this growth. It also enhances oil content in mustard seeds (38-42%), promotes bio-fertilizers, reduces pesticide use, and fosters climate-smart agriculture.”
Dr. Suresh Motwani, Head of Vegetable Oils, Solidaridad:
“The adoption of HYV mustard seeds, targeted pest management, and better agronomic practices have led to higher yields and farmer profitability. Women farmers have played a key role in sustainable mustard farming, with digital platforms like Krishi Choupal and advisory helplines making agricultural knowledge widely accessible.”
Dr. B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of SEA:
“Rapeseed and mustard are key oilseeds in reducing India’s edible oil import dependency. Strengthening extension services and farmer awareness on modern cultivation techniques is vital to achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils, aligning with **Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”
