How to do Mustard Cultivation and know its Disease and Management, Know on Khetivyapar

Mustard is a winter crop planted during the autumn season. It is highly favored by farmers due to its minimal water requirement and cost-effectiveness. India has approximately 6.9 million hectares of land dedicated to mustard cultivation, yielding around 7.2 million tons of produce. Mustard is primarily cultivated in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Haryana, Assam, and Punjab. Muraina district in Madhya Pradesh plays a significant role in production. Mustard seeds are utilized for oil extraction, contributing to 30-50 percent of its production. Additionally, its seeds are used as spices and in cooking oil.

Mustard Cultivation:

Mustard should be sown in rows using either a plough or a seed drill. The distance between rows should be approximately 30 cm, while the gap between plants should be 10-12 cm. Seeds should not be planted deeper than 2-3 cm. Crop rows should be aligned properly. Mustard should be sown from the last week of September to the first week of October.

Climate, Temperature, and Soil for Mustard Cultivation:

Mustard crops thrive in cold and dry climates. Irrigation should be applied after sowing the seeds. Dry and loamy soil is suitable for mustard cultivation. The ideal temperature for growing mustard is between 22 to 26 degrees Celsius. Good drainage and sandy loam or clayey soil are highly suitable. The soil pH should ideally be between 7-8.

Field Preparation:

After plowing the field 2-3 times, ridges should be created in the field to prevent waterlogging. Deep plowing in the heat helps to eliminate pests like insects and termites. Ridges should be made after the rainy season to preserve moisture in the soil. If there is insufficient moisture in the soil before sowing, the field should be irrigated. Timely sowing enhances production.

Irrigation Requirements:

For mustard cultivation, irrigation should be carried out using the furrow irrigation method. The first irrigation should be conducted 20-25 days after sowing or at the onset of flowering, and the second irrigation should be performed 50-55 days after flowering, depending on pod formation conditions. Furrows should be made 4-6 meters wide according to the slope and length of the field.

Manure and Fertilizers:

To achieve a good mustard yield, manure such as farmyard manure, cow dung, or compost should be applied. Mustard requires primary elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with a higher requirement for sulfur compared to other crops.

Primary Mustard Varieties:

1. Jawahar Sarson-2: This is a winter crop that is resistant to powdery mildew disease and is suitable for high yields per acre. Its lifespan ranges from 130-140 days, yielding an estimated 15-25 hectares per acre.
2. Raj Vijay Sarson-2: This crop is adaptable to both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. It contributes to 36-41 percent of oil production. Its lifespan varies from 120-135 days, with an expected yield of 25-30 hectares per acre.
3. Maya: This variety is ideal for early planting and high temperatures. It accounts for 40 percent of oil production. Its lifespan is 125-135 days, yielding approximately 20-23 hectares per acre.

Mustard Harvesting: Mustard crops should be harvested when the seeds are firm and the pods turn yellow. The crop is typically ready for harvesting within 110-145 days.

Crop Treatment and Disease Control:

1. White rust or white blister disease - This disease appears as white pustules on the lower leaf surface, with dark brown spots on the upper surface. Prevention methods include timely sowing, maintaining field hygiene, and removing crop residues.
2. Aphid infestation - These pests infest during October-November, puncturing leaves and obstructing photosynthesis. Prevention involves deep plowing during warm weather to eliminate pupae and adopting suitable crop rotation practices.
3. Soft rot and Alternaria blight disease - These diseases thrive in temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, causing brown spots and mold on both leaf surfaces. Prevention measures include timely sowing and utilizing resistant varieties.

Storage and Production: With proper mustard cultivation production can reach 10 to 15 quintals per acre. Always store open bottles in the fridge and ensure that the lid is tightly sealed. Avoid using dirty or contaminated containers to extract mustard, as it may spread bacteria and spoil the product.