Agronomy Lecture Series
Topic: Package of Practices for Rapeseed & Mustard
1. Economic Importance & Status
Rapeseed-Mustard is a vital component of the edible oil sector in India. Below are the key statistics essential for competitive exams:
- Global Position: India is the largest producer of oilseeds in the world. Specifically for Rapeseed-Mustard, India ranks 3rd in both acreage and production, following Canada and China.
- Contribution: It accounts for roughly one-fourth of the total oilseed area and one-third of the total oil production in the country.
- Key States: The production is highly concentrated (>93%) in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Asom, and Gujarat.
2. Botanical Classification
| Crop Name | Botanical Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Sarson | Brassica rapa var. brown sarson | Sub-types: Lotni (Self-incompatible, cold regions) and Toria (Self-compatible). |
| Yellow Sarson | Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson | Grown primarily in Eastern India (Asom, Bihar, West Bengal). |
| Toria | Brassica rapa var. toria | Short duration catch crop, popular in North-West India. |
| Taramira | Eruca sativa | Suitable for drier parts of North-West India like Rajasthan. |
| Gobhi Sarson | Brassica napus | Emerging long-duration crop in Haryana and Punjab. |
3. Production Technology
Sowing Management
- Sowing Time: General (10-25 Oct), Toria (1st fortnight Sept), Yellow Sarson (1st fortnight Oct).
- Temperature: Sowing should be done when maximum temperature is below 32°C.
- Seed Rate & Spacing: 3.0–3.5 kg/ha. Spacing 45x15 cm (General) or 30 cm (Toria/Late sown).
Nutrient Management
- Fertilizer (N:P:K): Timely Sown (80:40:40 kg/ha) | Late Sown (100:50:50 kg/ha).
- Sulphur: Application of 40 kg S/ha is critical for oil synthesis.
- Bio-fertilizers: Azotobacter can reduce nitrogen requirement by 25–30 kg/ha.
Water Management
- Water Requirement: 190–400 mm.
- Critical Stages: Pre-flowering (35–45 DAS) and Siliquae formation.
- Efficiency: Micro-sprinklers increase yield by 24% over check basin methods.
4. Plant Protection
| Pest/Disease | Control Measures |
|---|---|
| Mustard Aphid | Spray Oxydemeton methyl 25 EC or Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1 ml/liter. |
| Painted Bug | Apply Quinalphos 1.5% dust (25 kg/ha) at the final ploughing stage. |
| White Rust | Seed treatment with Metalaxyl (Apron 35 SD) @ 6 g/kg seed. |
| Sclerotinia Rot | Avoid irrigation between 25 Dec and 15 Jan. Spray Carbendazim (2 g/liter). |
5. Harvesting & Strategic Notes
Harvesting Index: Harvest when 75% of pods turn golden yellow. Harvest in the morning (damp pods) to minimize shattering.
Professor's Exam Note
Key Focus Areas for Essay/Mains:
- Intercropping: Chickpea+Mustard (4:1) and Wheat+Mustard (9:1) are standard systems in North India.
- Yield Gap: There is a 20-63% yield gap between FLDs and state averages—a major opportunity for growth.
- Value Addition: Grow 'Canola' type varieties (low erucic acid/glucosinolates) for premium prices.
- Honey Production: Integrating Apiculture with mustard farming enhances yield by 15-20%.
