Mustard production in the country is seen at 7.5 mln tn in 2018-19 (Jul-Jun), up 7.1% from the previous year’s 7.0 mln tn due to higher yields this year. Prices of mustard seed fell marginally in key Jaipur market as arrivals rose, while demand from crushing units remained weak. In Jaipur, the oilseed was sold for 4,165-4,170 rupees per 100 kg, down 5-10 rupees from previous day. Arrivals across India were pegged at 80,000-85,000 bags (1 bag = 85 kg), up 5,000 bags from the previous day. Futures contracts of mustard seed on NCDEX, too, edged lower on weak spot cues. The most active February contract traded 0.6% lower at 3,974 rupees per 100 kg.

farmers across the country planted mustard over 6.91 mln ha as of Thursday, up 3.2% from a year ago. Production in Rajasthan, the top grower, is also estimated higher at 3.2 mln tn in 2018-19 compared with 2.9 mln tn last year. In 2018-19 (Apr-Mar), mustard meal exports are likely to be over 1.1 mln tn, compared with around 660,000 tn shipped out last year, due to firm global demand. If China places any order for mustard meal from India, then exports may rise by nearly half a million tn further in the upcoming financial year starting April. After six years, China in 2018 lifted its ban on the import of Indian mustard meal when they were assured od compliance with Beijing’s standard quality and quarantine norms.