In Jaipur, the first half of the marketing season from March to August 2023 witnessed a significant upswing in mustard seed crushing due to a substantial influx of mustard in major agricultural markets in leading producing states.
Bumper Crop and Crushing: Mustard’s Record-Setting Year
During this period, the nation achieved an impressive mustard seed production of approximately 7.65 million tonnes. This production comprised 1.6 million tonnes in March, 1.75 million tonnes in April, 1.15 million tonnes in May, 1.05 million tonnes in June, 1.3 million tonnes in July, and 0.8 million tonnes in August. Simultaneously, mustard crushing across the country reached a total of about 5.45 million tonnes. This crushing included 1.1 million tonnes in March, 9 lakh tonnes each in April, June, and July, 0.8 million tonnes in May, and 0.85 million tonnes in August.
Spreading the Mustard – Distribution and Stock
The distribution of mustard during this period involved 0.63 million tonnes sold in Uttar Pradesh, 3.08 million tonnes in Rajasthan, 0.3 million tonnes combined in Punjab and Haryana, 0.345 million tonnes in Gujarat, and 0.865 million tonnes in various central regions. Additionally, 1.03 million tonnes of mustard found their way to other states, including Bengal and Bihar.
As of March 1, 2023, the overall mustard stock in the country reached a total of 11.2 million tonnes during the Rabi season of 2022-23. By the end of August, 7.65 million tonnes had arrived in markets, with farmers retaining 3.55 million tonnes in their possession as of September. Government agencies, such as NAFED and HAFED, procured 1.4 million tonnes from the total arrivals, resulting in an estimated actual arrival of 6.25 million tonnes. By August’s end, 5.45 million tonnes had been processed and supplied to millers, processors, traders, and stockists, leaving a reserve of 0.8 million tonnes.
Mustard’s Stockpile and Production Highlights
Consequently, on September 1, 2023, the country boasted a mustard stockpile of 5.75 million tonnes, comprising 3.55 million tonnes held by farmers, 0.8 million tonnes with millers and traders, and 1.4 million tonnes with government agencies. The 2022-23 season witnessed a total mustard production of 11.3 million tonnes, including 1.4 million tonnes in Uttar Pradesh, 5.2 million tonnes in Rajasthan, 0.9 million tonnes in Punjab and Haryana, 0.475 million tonnes in Gujarat, 1.6 million tonnes in Madhya Pradesh, and 1.725 million tonnes in other states, alongside an existing stock of 0.6 million tonnes.
In conclusion, the mustard sector in India showcased robust production and crushing figures from March to August 2023, resulting in a substantial stockpile. This record-setting year reaffirms mustard’s significance in the country’s agricultural landscape. It is best to procure mustard.