Weather-hit mustard farmers urge timely MSP procurement

Following recent rains and hailstorms that damaged mustard crops, anxious oilseed farmers are eagerly waiting for government procurement at the minimum support price (MSP) to avoid further financial setbacks.

While the MSP for mustard stands at Rs 5,950 per quintal, private traders are offering Rs 5,400 to Rs 5,600 per quintal, leaving farmers in a dilemma.

Farmers have expressed concerns over the impact of unfavourable weather on yield and the risk of selling below MSP. This year, mustard was cultivated across 11,000 acres in the region. As per initial reports, approximately 1,200 acres have suffered 0-25% loss, around 4,400 acres have faced 26-50% loss and nearly 250 acres have experienced 51-75% loss.

Malkeet Singh, a mustard farmer, said, "I have harvested my mustard crop and now I am waiting for the government purchase to begin because private traders are offering below MSP. The yield has already declined due to unfavourable weather and farmers don’t want to suffer further losses."

Similarly, Gurmeet Singh, another farmer, said, "A major portion of my harvested produce was washed away in the rain, while the remaining crop was damaged by the hailstorm. I will wait for government procurement to avoid further loss."

Manpreet Singh, another farmer, said, "Due to adverse weather conditions, my yield has been significantly lower. Instead of the usual 8-9 quintals per acre, I have only harvested a little over 5 quintals per acre. I had to sell my produce in the open market at Rs 5,500 to Rs 5,600 per quintal."

BKU (Charuni) spokesperson Rakesh Bains criticised the delay in government procurement, stating, "Mustard arrivals begin early in grain markets, and by the time government agencies step in, a huge quantity has already been sold below MSP. The government had assured us that procurement would start on February 28, but it was later postponed to March 15. Farmers are left waiting with their harvested produce. The government must provide adequate compensation to help them recover their losses."

A private trader at the Ambala City grain market said, "Black mustard is currently fetching Rs 5,400-5,600 per quintal. There is ample stock in the market and no major price fluctuation is expected in open trade."

Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr Jasvinder Singh acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers, stating, "There has been no insect attack on the mustard crop, but a dry spell in November, December and January, along with higher temperatures, has affected yields. The recent rain and hailstorm have also damaged crops in some areas. Farmers are now submitting claims for compensation."