Rapeseed and Mustard

Rapeseed and mustard are not a single crop but a group of oilseeds that includes rai, sarson, toria, and taramira. These are subtropical crops, meaning they grow best in warm, not tropical or temperate, climates. In India, they are cultivated during the rabi (winter) season, primarily in the north-western and central parts of the country.

These crops are sensitive to frost — a sudden drop in temperature can damage them badly. Because of this, their yields have historically varied a lot from year to year. However, two developments have helped stabilise and improve production: the expansion of irrigation facilities and improvements in seed technology. Today, about two-thirds of the total area under rapeseed and mustard is irrigated, which reduces dependence on uncertain winter rainfall.

Despite their importance, these oilseeds together occupy only about 2.5 per cent of India's total cropped area. That is a small share, but their contribution to edible oil production is significant.

Leading producers and yields

• Rajasthan contributes roughly one-third of the country's total production — the largest share among all states.
• Haryana and Madhya Pradesh are the other leading producers. …