The sowing area of oilseed crops, particularly mustard, has seen a significant decline this Rabi season. Despite the Central Government's efforts to boost farmer enthusiasm by increasing the minimum support price (MSP) by Rs. 300 per quintal, the area under mustard cultivation has dropped by 5.23 lakh hectares, from 93.73 lakh hectares last year to 88.50 lakh hectares this year.

This decrease in mustard sowing has also contributed to a wider reduction in the total area of oilseed crops, which fell by 4.98 lakh hectares, from 101.80 lakh hectares in the previous year to 96.82 lakh hectares in the current season.

Other oilseeds, however, have seen either slight increases or minimal reductions in sowing areas. For example, groundnut cultivation increased from 3.42 lakh hectares to 3.65 lakh hectares, and sunflower sowing rose from 43 thousand hectares to 74 thousand hectares.

On the other hand, sesame sowing decreased significantly from 37 thousand hectares to 20 thousand hectares, and linseed sowing also dropped from 2.84 lakh hectares to 2.68 lakh hectares.

The recent rains have provided some benefit to oilseed crops in many regions, and the harvesting of early-sown mustard crops is expected to begin next month. Strong arrivals of mustard are anticipated to start in March, continuing through May.