Production barriers and technological options for sustainable production of rapeseed-mustard in India

Abstract

At the onset, I take this occasion to express my
deep sense of appreciation to the fraternity of
Society for Rapeseed-Mustard Research for
electing me the President of this novel and
important society of oilseed Brassica. It has been a
sheer pleasure and a privilege to serve this great
society. I wish and hope that the SRMR shall
continue to flourish with greater momentum and
vibrancy to take its prestige and image to new
horizon in this era of technological revolution. I have
choosen this topic to discuss today, since it has been
very near and dear to my heart and soul the day
opted for the crops of Oilseed Brassica in 1975.
CCSHAU was selected the venue to hold this
conference, because the University has made
tremendous contribution in the field of rapeseedmustard
research and development. Several high
yielding varieties have been developed by the
University. I am happy at this occasion to several
personalities known in the field of agriculture
research and development, especially in rapeseedmustard
from across the country and also from
Canada. The contribution of CCSHAU in oilseeds
production in general and oilseeds Brassica in
particular is remarkable. It is my concern that the
overlook towards toria, which could be an
important donor source for high temperature stress
at seedling stage. The crop is gaining globally in
importance due to its advantage over other oilseeds
viz., higher yield potential, low moisture requirement,
higher return at low cost of production, wider
adaptability for various farming conditions, etc.,
which hold promise towards having the next yellow
revolution. Despite these positives, the area,
production and yield of the crop is fluctuating due to
various biotic and abiotic stresses coupled with
India’s domestic price support programme