An analytical study of rapeseed /mustard trend in India: A special focus on Rajasthan state

Abstract

Since independence India has covered a long way in agricultural development. It continues in rapid growth which is key element in poverty alleviation and improvement in overall socio-economic status of farmers. In agricultural sector, India has been successful in keeping pace with increasing food demand of growing population which crosses one billion marks. India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production excluding pulses and oilseeds. It attributes huge import of several tons of mustard oil per year to fulfill the requirement of population. Rajasthan being the major rapeseed and mustard (Brassica Juncea / Brassica Campestris ) producing state in the country and was purposively selected for the present study. The study relates to the performance in growth area, production and productivity of rapeseed / mustard in India and state Rajasthan. To achieve this objective, compound growth rates (exponential and linear) was worked out. In case of rapeseed/mustard, the growth rate of area, production and productivity, registered significant and positive growth rate in the period (1960-2006) under study in India and state Rajasthan.