Increase in Minimum Support Price and High Market Prices Likely to Boost Mustard Acreage

New Delhi. The Central Government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mustard by Rs 413 per quintal—raising it from Rs 6,200 per quintal for the 2025-26 season to Rs 6,613 per quintal for the 2026-27 season. For several months, wholesale market prices for mustard have remained significantly higher than the government-mandated MSP, ensuring excellent and profitable returns for farmers. Sowing of the mustard crop has already commenced.

Mustard is the primary oilseed crop of the Rabi season and serves as the largest source of edible oil in the country. Key producing states include Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Bihar. These regions experienced relatively better monsoon rainfall, leaving sufficient soil moisture in the fields. In short, conditions are highly favorable for an expansion in the area under mustard cultivation, and farmers are showing great enthusiasm. Wholesale market prices for mustard have surged, repeatedly hitting new record highs; in some markets, prices have even reached an all-time peak of Rs 10,000 per quintal.

According to trade analysts, Indian farmers may reduce the acreage allocated to wheat and maize during the current Rabi season in favor of increasing the area dedicated to mustard and chickpea (gram). Although the initial pace of mustard sowing appears slightly slower compared to last year, it is expected to pick up momentum soon. Government agencies (such as NAFED and HAFED) currently hold negligible stocks of mustard; if market prices remain high throughout the upcoming marketing season, these agencies may face challenges in procuring this vital oilseed crop from farmers.