Mustard Arrivals Reach 39 Lakh Tonnes in March-April; Prices Fall Below MSP Amid Heavy Supply

02-May-2025 12:10 PM

Jaipur. The arrival of mustard has been strong across all major producing states of the country during March and April 2025, the first two months of the current Rabi marketing season, with both private buyers and government agencies purchasing large quantities.

Due to this abundant supply, mustard prices in wholesale mandis fell below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 5,950 per quintal, prompting increased procurement by central agencies like NAFED and HAFED.

According to data compiled by Anil Chatar, Managing Director of Marudhar Trading Agency, a prominent trading firm based in Chandpole grain market, Jaipur (Rajasthan), a total of 39 lakh tonnes of mustard arrived at the national level during March and April 2025. Of this:

  • 29 lakh tonnes reached open mandis

  • 10 lakh tonnes arrived at government procurement centers

Breakdown of Mustard Arrivals:

  • March 2025: 15 lakh tonnes (14.5 lakh tonnes in open markets, 50,000 tonnes at procurement centers)

  • April 2025: 24 lakh tonnes (15 lakh tonnes in open markets, 9 lakh tonnes at procurement centers)

At the start of March, government agencies held a carryover stock of 7 lakh tonnes of mustard. With new procurement of 9.5 lakh tonnes during March-April, total stocks rose to 16.5 lakh tonnes. After selling 50,000 tonnes, the government held 16 lakh tonnes in stock as of May 1, which will be released in the coming months. Procurement is still ongoing.

Production and Stock Estimates:

  • Estimated total mustard production from March 1: 109.25 lakh tonnes

  • Mustard stock with farmers on March 1: 1 lakh tonne

  • Mustard sold by farmers (March-April): 39 lakh tonnes

  • Estimated mustard stock with farmers as of May 1: 71.25 lakh tonnes

Crushing and Private Stock:

  • Total crushing (March-April): 24.5 lakh tonnes

    • March: 11.5 lakh tonnes

    • April: 13 lakh tonnes

  • Stock with traders and millers: 6.5 lakh tonnes (including 1 lakh tonne old stock)

Total Mustard Stock in the Country as of May 1, 2025:

  • With farmers: 71.25 lakh tonnes

  • With stockists/millers: 6.5 lakh tonnes

  • With government agencies: 16 lakh tonnes

  • Total: 93.75 lakh tonnes

Analysts suggest that while procurement has helped reduce pressure, mustard prices are expected to remain under pressure unless demand picks up significantly or arrivals slow down.

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