News

Production of mustard in India in 2017-18 (Jul-Jun) is estimated at 7.2 mln tn, up from 6.9 mln tn the previous year. The expected growth in production is because the yield in key growing areas across the country is seen higher on year due to favourable weather conditions. the average yield in 2017-18 is pegged at 1,100 kg per ha, up from 1,025 kg a ha the previous year. The expected rise in is despite lower acreage. The area under the oilseed across the country is at 6.4 mln ha against 7.1 mln ha a year ago.

Oil mills across the country crushed 375,000 tn of mustard seed in February, up 15% on month. In January, mills had crushed 325,000 tn of the oilseed. Mills increased crushing in February after new crop arrivals in key markets gathered pace as the harvest progressed. New crop mustard arrivals begin in February and gain momentum in March. Till May, arrivals are in full swing and start dwindling June onwards.

The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India began procurement of mustard, and has bought 19 tn of the commodity at the minimum support price in three districts of Rajasthan. The fall in mustard prices was due to subdued buying by dal millers, as well as higher arrivals of the fresh crop in major markets. Estimates of a bigger crop also weighed on sentiment.