The fields of Haryana are preparing for a massive “golden bloom” this winter. Data analyzed at the end of the peak October sowing window indicates that the state has seen a double-digit percentage jump in mustard acreage, a trend that experts call a “market-driven diversification.”
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Economic Incentives: With mustard prices in major mandis like Jaipur and Rewari touching record levels earlier this year (often exceeding ₹6,500–₹7,000 per quintal), farmers view mustard as a more remunerative crop than wheat. The lower requirement for irrigation and fertilizers further improves the profit margin for small and marginal landholders.
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Geographic Expansion: Traditionally the mainstay of southern Haryana (Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Rewari), mustard is now making deep inroads into the northern “rice-bowl” districts such as Karnal and Kurukshetra. Farmers here are using mustard as an early Rabi crop or as an inter-crop with sugarcane.
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University Advisory: Experts from CCS Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) noted that while the acreage has increased, the high moisture levels in soil following late-season rains have necessitated careful monitoring for “root rot” and other fungal diseases. Farmers are being advised to use certified, high-yield varieties like RH 725 and RH 1424.
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Policy Push: The increase is also credited to the state government’s “Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana” and the consistent hike in MSP, which stands at approximately ₹6,200 for the current season, providing a safety net that encourages shifting away from the saturated wheat market.
Community Sentiment
“Last year, those who sowed mustard made much more profit per acre than those who sowed wheat. The cost of labor and diesel is rising, and mustard requires only two waterings compared to four or five for wheat. For us, the decision was simple: follow the market,” said a farmer from a village near Hisar.
