Posted On:
04 NOV 2026 6:15PM by PIB Raipur
With a focus on strengthening domestic edible oil production and reducing dependence on imports, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (ICAR-NIBSM), Raipur, is promoting scientific mustard cultivation among farmers under its Farmer FIRST Programme.
As part of the initiative, the institute organised a training programme on scientific mustard production on November 4, benefiting around 157 farmers from Baronda, Adsena, Ganiyari, Asonda and Mohdi villages. Improved seeds of mustard variety DRMR 150-35 were distributed to farmers for cultivation across approximately 200 acres, with the objective of expanding oilseed production and improving farm productivity.
Addressing the farmers, Institute Director Dr. P. K. Rai underscored the importance of increasing mustard and other oilseed production to meet the country's growing demand for edible oils. He said that strengthening domestic oilseed production would help reduce dependence on imports while improving farmers' incomes and supporting sustainable agricultural livelihoods. He urged farmers to adopt crop diversification and scientific cultivation practices to enhance productivity.
Joint Director Dr. Pankaj Sharma elaborated on improved agronomic practices for mustard cultivation, including proper field preparation after paddy harvesting, balanced fertiliser application, optimum seed rate and appropriate plant spacing. Emphasising the importance of balanced nutrient management, he advised farmers to apply gypsum to meet the crop's sulphur requirement and use Single Super Phosphate (SSP) instead of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) to ensure adequate phosphorus nutrition. He noted that balanced fertilisation plays a vital role in improving crop yield, as well as the oil content and quality of mustard seeds.
The programme was attended by Shri Pradeep Madariya, Sarpanch of Baronda; Shri Tejram Pal, Sarpanch of Adsena; and Shri Rajendra Nirmalkar, Sarpanch of Ganiyari, along with other public representatives and farmers.
The Farmer FIRST Programme seeks to strengthen the livelihoods of rural and tribal farming communities, enhance agricultural productivity and facilitate the transfer of improved agricultural technologies from research institutions to farmers' fields.
The programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr. P. Mooventhan, Principal Investigator of the Farmer FIRST Project, and Dr. Priyanka Meena, along with their team.
******
RDJ/BKT