Rapeseed/mustard crop is likely to be lower this year by nine per cent following a 10 per cent drop in the area under the crop.
According to a survey carried out by the Solvent Extractors Association of India, rapeseed/mustard production is projected to be 62.65 lakh tonnes (lt) against 68.50 lt last year. This drop is primary due to fall in acreage from 72.47 lakh hectares (lh) to 65.83 lh this year.
In fact, the production is likely to be salvaged marginally by a higher yield of 952 kg a hectare against 945 kg last year.
The survey, carried out by four teams comprising 30 members including crushers, oilmillers, representatives of multi-ntionals and analysts, has found wide variation in the area reported by Gujarat and Rajasthan. The association, however, has gone by the area projected under the crop according to Government record.
The solvent extractors body said that due to late sowing this year and high temperature in December, the crop has been delayed by 15 to 20 days.
Cold weather, too, has damaged the standing crop in Gujarat and western parts of Rajasthan besides other parts of Rajasthan. “The exact damage will be reviewed after the crop is harvested,” the association said in a statement.
Rapeseed/mustard is the main rabi oilseeds crop and a lower production means that the total oilseeds production could drop this year, leading to higher vegetable oil imports.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, production of nine major oilseeds this season that ends in June is likely to be 305.2 lt against 324.7 lt last season. Mustard/rapeseed production, according to the Government, is projected to be 75 lt against 81.7 lt a year ago.
According to the survey, the major contribution will come from Rajasthan agains this year. With 25.30 lh covered under the crop against 27.21 lh last year, production is likely to be 29.35 lt (34.75 lt).
In fact, Uttar Pradesh is likely to emerge as some sort of saviour with its acreage increasing 50,000 hectares and production two lt to 10.50 lt. Yield in the northern State, too, is likely to be higher by 150 kg at 1,000 kg/hectare. (See Table)
The Solvent Extractors Association said that it will come up with its final report at the rabi seminar to be held by the Centre Organisation for Oil Industry and Trade on March 18.