The government expects growth in the agri sector this year. The government is expecting good production in both Kharif and Rabi. At the same time, sowing of mustard in Rabi till now has been 6% less than last year. What are the reasons for this? Will the crop production meet the expectations of the government and what are the expectations from the budget?
Government’s expectations from the agri sector have increased. Good monsoon is expected to increase production. Good growth is also expected in 2024-25. The sector saw a decline of 1.4% in FY24 but is expected to grow at the rate of 3.5-4% this year. There is an average growth of 5% in 2016-17, 2022-23.
Where are the challenges?
Challenges persist regarding pulses and oilseeds. The production of pulses has increased by 24-25 million tonnes. 10 years ago, pulses production was 14 million tonnes. India is still not self-sufficient in pulses. About 60% of the pulses required is imported. India is the largest importer of edible oil.
Mustard returns boom
Prices have increased in the international market. Mustard price has reached a one month high. The price has crossed 545 Euro/ton. There has been a rise of 6% so far in 2025. Prices reached a record high in April 2022. The price had reached a height of 1094 euros/ton.
Mustard situation in India
Mustard prices in India have increased by 25% in one year. There has been 6% less sowing since last year. Till January 14, sowing was done in 88.50 lakh hectares. Last year, sowing was done in 93.73 lakh hectares.
MOPA Joint Secretary Anil Chattar It is said that if farmers get fair prices for their crops, crop sowing will increase. In 2018, farmers got the right price for the right crop, after which the farmer increased the sowing of the crop by 25 percent.
Former Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain It is said that the arrival of tur has started in the market. There are expectations of increase in arrival of tur in the next week. Rabi crop is expected to be good this year but the government will have to decide that the prices of Rabi crop should not go below the MSP. Mustard production is expected to be good. If India has to be self-reliant in oil seeds, then procurement will have to be done to some extent from the government.