Significant Decline in Oilseed Sowing Due to Mustard Trends

New Delhi. Contrary to expectations, the area under mustard cultivation is trailing significantly behind last year’s figures, even though it remains the primary oilseed crop of the Rabi season.

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mustard has been increased by ₹413 to ₹6,613 per quintal, while wholesale market prices are currently hovering at a high of ₹8,000–₹9,000 per quintal. This is providing farmers with highly attractive and profitable returns.

Although the sowing pace for Rabi-season groundnut and sunflower remains relatively normal, the sharp decline in the area dedicated to mustard has caused the total acreage for oilseed crops to fall well below last year’s levels.

Major mustard-producing states include Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Bihar. These regions experienced uneven distribution of monsoon rainfall. As of October 30, 2026, the total area under mustard cultivation nationwide reached 2.05 million hectares—roughly half of the area sown during the corresponding period last year.