SEA, Solidaridad establish 2,000 mustard model farms in MP, UP and Rajasthan

This year, MMF initiative focuses on introducing high-yielding mustard variety (HYV) seeds like DRMR 1165-40 and RH 725 developed by ICAR-DRMR, improving pest and disease management, promoting climate-resilient production methods and developing peer learning through farmer field schools (FFS).

The MMF initiative this year incorporates front line demonstrations across 750 farms in Madhya Pradesh, 350 in Uttar Pradesh, and 900 in Rajasthan, serving as key knowledge hubs to facilitate wider farmer adoption.

A statement by SEA said the current initiative adopts a structured approach to enhance mustard farming. It begins with the selection of lead farmers and geo-tagging plots, followed by soil testing and issuing soil health cards to ensure balanced nutrient management. Lead farmers undergo training of trainers programmes, equipping them with knowledge on HYV seeds, seed treatment, and pest control.

Quality inputs are distributed to farmers, while FFS serve as knowledge-sharing platforms for practical learning. Monitoring through field visits and tracking sheets ensures the adoption of best practices, while farmer field days facilitate comparative demonstrations, fostering wider participation.

Quoting Sanjeev K Asthana, President of SEA, the statement said the MMF project, which is in the fifth year, has demonstrated tremendous potential in enhancing mustard production. This initiative plays a crucial role in reducing India’s dependence on edible oil imports, contributing to the nation’s goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in edible oils. With mustard accounting for 40 per cent of India’s total edible oil production, the MMF project not only enhances farmer resilience but also strengthens the agricultural economy, ensuring a sustainable, high-yielding, and climate-resilient mustard sector, he said.

Vijay Data, Chairman of SEA Rape-Mustard Promotion Council, said the project focuses on expanding cultivation areas, enhancing oil content in mustard seeds around 38-42 per cent, and promoting sustainable practices like bio-fertilizers, reduced pesticide use, and climate-smart agriculture. He appreciated the technical knowledge support provided by the DRMR for MMF.

Suresh Motwani, Head of Vegetable Oils Solidaridad, said the programme has promoted the active involvement of women farmers in sustainable mustard farming. Additionally, knowledge dissemination has been amplified through digital platforms like Krishi Choupal, advisories, and toll-free farmer helplines, ensuring that crucial agricultural insights reach a broader farming community.

BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said rapeseed and mustard are among the most promising oilseed crops for reducing India’s dependence on imports. Strengthening extension services and farmer awareness on superior cultivation techniques are crucial to achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils, he said. Launched in 2020-21, MMF initiative has played a key role in equipping farmers with advanced agricultural practices, enhancing both productivity and resilience.

The statement said India’s mustard production has seen a remarkable upward trend, increasing 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.

Similarly, the cultivation area has expanded annually, growing from 6.70 million hectares (mh) in 2020-21 to approximately 10 mh in 2023-24.