Mustard cultivation spreads over 1.4 lakh hectares in Kashmir

By Arif Rashid
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14 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 13: Amid a steady rise in mustard oil prices across the Kashmir Valley, farmers are increasingly turning to mustard cultivation, expanding its growth across nearly 1.4 lakh hectares of agricultural and horticultural land this year.

Farmers say the shift is driven both by economic necessity and the crop’s multiple benefits.

Gulzar Ahmad, a farmer from Budgam district said that soaring market prices over the past four years have made mustard oil unaffordable for many rural households.

“Farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihood cannot afford to purchase mustard oil regularly from the market. That is reason many of farmers have started cultivating mustard into their agriculture and horticulture lands,” he said.

He added that locally produced mustard oil is natural, pure, and comes with health benefits. Additionally, the crop requires relatively low labor input and can be harvested efficiently.

“Farmers can also sell surplus produce in local markets and earn a good income,” he said.

Sultan Ahmad Bhat, a farmer from Tangmarg area said mustard as a low-investment crop with strong market demand.

“It requires less investment compared to many other crops and has consistent demand for both oil and seeds. Farmers can earn steady income as it is used for cooking oil, spices, and even animal feed,” Bhat said.

He further explained that mustard matures within 100–120 days, allowing farmers to cultivate an additional crop within the same year. The crop also requires less irrigation compared to water-intensive crops like rice, making it more sustainable.

Mustard cultivation is also benefiting allied sectors. Farmers involved in honey production are witnessing increased yields, as mustard flowers attract honeybees. “The crop is proving beneficial for beekeepers as well, leading to better honey production,” Bhat added.

Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Director of Agriculture, Kashmir, said that mustard cultivation has significantly expanded this year.

“Farmers across the valley have cultivated mustard on approximately 1.4 lakh hectares of land. The department has also distributed 3,000 quintals of seeds free of cost to support growers,” he said.

He expressed optimism about the current season, noting that mustard fields are in full bloom across the valley. “We expect a bumper harvest this year. Mustard remains a low-investment crop with strong market demand not only in Kashmir but across India, ensuring good returns for farmers,” Shah added.