Mustard cultivation, varieties, the right time for sowing, and methods

Mustard cultivation

Krishi Dunia

• 14 Nov, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:30 PM

Mustard is an important crop in Indian agriculture, particularly during the rabi season, and offers good profits to farmers. If you are planning to cultivate mustard, the best time for sowing is between October and November. During this period, several improved varieties are sown, which lead to higher yields and better oil quality. Let’s explore the most beneficial mustard varieties for sowing in October.

1. Pusa Jwalamukhi (Pusa Jwalamukhi Mustard Variety):

Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the Pusa Institute.

• Productivity: 42-45% oil content and 25-30 quintals of mustard per acre.
• Benefits: High productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability to climate change.
• Suitable Regions: North India, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.

2. Pusa Bold (Pusa Bold Mustard Variety):

Another improved variety developed by ICAR’s Pusa Institute.

• Productivity: 40-42% oil content and 20-25 quintals of mustard per acre.
• Benefits: Higher yield at lower costs, climate change tolerance.
• Suitable Regions: Primarily North India.
• Time to Maturity: 120-130 days.

3. Pusa Agrani (Pusa Agrani Mustard Variety):

This variety is well-known for its exceptional yield and disease resistance.

• Productivity: 40-42% oil content and 22-25 quintals of mustard per acre.
• Suitable Regions: North India, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.
• Time to Maturity: 120-125 days.

4. PL 501 (PL 501 Mustard Variety):

Developed by Punjab Agricultural University, this variety is resistant to diseases.

• Productivity: 42-45% oil content and 25-30 quintals of mustard per acre.
• Suitable Regions: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.
• Time to Maturity: 120-125 days.

5. RLC-1 (RLC-1 Mustard Variety);

An advanced variety developed by ICAR.

• Productivity: 42-45% oil content and 25-30 quintals of mustard per acre.
• Suitable Regions: Punjab, Haryana, North India.
• Time to Maturity: 120-125 days.

How to Sow Improved Mustard Varieties?

To ensure a good harvest, following proper techniques for mustard sowing is crucial:

1. Land Preparation:
   • The field should be well-tilled using a tractor, rotavator, and cultivator to make the soil loose and level.
2. Seed Quantity:
   • For each acre, approximately 1 kilogram of mustard seeds is required.
3. Sowing Method:
   • Broadcasting Method: Seeds are scattered evenly across the field.
   • Row Method: Seeds are sown in rows with a spacing of 30 cm.
4. Seed Depth:
   • Seeds should be planted 2 to 3 centimeters deep in the soil.
5. Fertilizers:
   • Based on soil testing, apply 100 kg of single superphosphate, 35 kg of urea, and 25 kg of muriate of potash, combined with farmyard manure.

By following these methods and planting the right mustard varieties at the right time, farmers can achieve high-quality crops and better yields, leading to greater profits.