Chandigarh: For decades, vast stretches of blooming mustard fields were an unmistakable part of Punjab’s rural landscape. Today, that golden expanse is steadily shrinking as farmers turn away from the crop, discouraged by weak returns and uncertain market support, even as edible oil prices continue to climb across the country.
Official data shows a sharp fall in oilseed cultivation in the state. During the early 1970s, crops such as mustard, toria, sunflower and soybean together covered nearly five lakh hectares in Punjab. That figure has now dropped dramatically to about 51,000 hectares. Mustard alone accounted for roughly 41,000 hectares last year, reflecting farmers’ continued dependence on the wheat–paddy rotation.
Agricultural experts point out that while demand for mustard oil remains strong, growers see little incentive to switch crops. The current Minimum Support Price for mustard is around ₹6,200 per quintal, with average yields ranging between six and eight quintals per acre, though improved varieties can produce much more. Despite this potential, Punjab meets only about three per cent of its edible oil requirement through local production, relying heavily on imports for the rest.
Across India, oilseed output stands at nearly 120 lakh tonnes, while imports exceed 140 lakh tonnes to bridge the gap. Rajasthan remains the top mustard-producing state, followed by Uttar Pradesh, with Gujarat, West Bengal, Haryana and Assam also contributing significantly. Within Punjab, districts such as Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Bathinda lead mustard production.
Farmers say the lack of assured procurement and organised marketing is the biggest hurdle. Unlike wheat and paddy, mustard is largely sold to private traders, leaving cultivators vulnerable to fluctuating prices. Many argue that guaranteed buying mechanisms and better price stability could encourage wider adoption of oilseed crops.
Some farmers, however, report positive experiences. Gurmail Singh of Maddoke village said he earned strong returns from mustard grown on 25 acres last season, prompting him to expand cultivation to 40 acres this year, with yields touching nearly 16 quintals per acre. Similar optimism was echoed by farmers in Charik and Badhni Kalan villages, though they stressed the need for affordable, high-quality seeds and stronger government support.
Officials remain hopeful. Dr Harpreet Kaur, Joint Director of the Punjab Agriculture Department, said oilseeds have covered around 51,000 hectares this year and efforts are underway to expand the area further. She noted that mustard can be a profitable alternative if cultivated using recommended practices.
Retired agriculture officer Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar highlighted that Punjab’s soil is well-suited for mustard and warned that declining oilseed acreage has increased dependence on costly imports, including sunflower oil from overseas markets. Scientists from Punjab Agricultural University have also urged farmers to adopt newly developed mustard varieties that promise higher yields and better income.
District administrations are pitching in as well. Moga Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia said the doubling of mustard acreage in the district is encouraging and pointed to financial assistance available under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds, including support for farmer groups to establish small oil-processing units.
Despite these initiatives, mustard’s revival in Punjab hinges on resolving marketing challenges and offering farmers a viable alternative to the long-entrenched wheat-paddy cycle. Until then, the state’s iconic yellow fields may continue to fade from view.
