Kashmir mustard yield surges by 36,000 MT

Srinagar, Apr 11: Kashmir is all set for a major breakthrough in mustard production this year, with an estimated increase of 36,000 metric tons (MT) over last year.

The total production is expected to touch 143,476.9 MT, up from 107,476.9 MT in 2024.

This significant rise in yield is helping reduce the region's dependency on imported mustard oil from 70 to 75 percent just two years ago to 40 percent today.

Agriculture officials attribute the surge to an expansion in cultivation area and the use of improved mustard seed varieties.

The total area under cultivation has increased by 30,000 hectares from 110,000 hectares last year to 140,000 hectares this season.

The total productivity has reached 10.2 quintals per hectare.

“With cropping intensity increased by 182 percent, we are optimistic about further reducing our dependence on oil imports as we aim to reach self-sufficiency in the next four years,” an official of the Agriculture Department said.

He said that this achievement was a result of the dedicated efforts of department staff and the cooperation of progressive farmers.

Anantnag leads with 28,690 hectares under cultivation, expected to yield 34,427 MT at a productivity of 12 quintals per hectare.

Kulgam follows with 11,761.0 hectares, set to produce 14,115.7 MT (12 quintals per hectare).

Shopian, despite having only 1899 hectares, would achieve 2368 MT, the highest productivity in Kashmir at 12.5 quintals per hectare.

Pulwama has 18,756.7 hectares and will record an equal yield of 18,756.7 metric tonnes (10 quintals per hectare).

Srinagar cultivated 1638.2 hectares, expecting to yield 1829.4 MT with 11.2 quintals per hectare productivity.

Budgam recorded 11,506 hectares under mustard and the yield will be 11,095.2 MT (9.6 quintals per hectare).

Ganderbal saw 9920.1 hectares cultivated, producing 7676 MT - the lowest productivity in the valley at 7.7 quintals per hectare.

Baramulla has 26,380.7 hectares and will produce 22,168.9 metric tonnes (8.4 quintals per hectare).

Bandipora will contribute 14,744.5 MT from 14,251.8 hectares (10.3 quintals per hectare).

Kupwara will record 16,294.5 MT from 15,197 hectares (10.7 quintals per hectare).

Chief Agriculture Officer of Anantnag, Ajaz Hussain Dar, said that around 40 percent of the total mustard yield is converted into oil.

“The department introduced new mustard varieties this year, some of which have longer maturity periods, but they were cultivated in rain-fed areas where paddy isn't feasible, maximising otherwise unused land. This will further reduce reliance on imports,” he said.

Mustard in Kashmir is typically sown in October-November.

As temperatures rise post-winter, the crop blooms and is harvested in May.

Farmers across the valley have reported higher yields compared to last year, fueling optimism for continued growth in the sector.