The increase in the mustard production is the result of late rains in October last year and better farming practices adopted by the cultivators throughout the country.

Rajasthan produces about 40 per cent for the country's mustard with Madhya Pradesh being the second.

With the peak season having already begun, the daily arrivals (of mustard) have reached a staggering level of about one lakh bags. The most interesting part of this year's emerging scenario is the sudden spurt in the mustard price to Rs 1350 per quintal from a little less than Rs 1300 a few days ago.The increase in the price in the mandies is attributed to the growing demand of the cash crop from the traders who feel that the prices may shoot up further after some time.

This year, the yieldper hectare has also risen to 10.24 lakh quintals as against last year's 7.26 quintals. ``There have been no diseases this year'', says Khem Raj, director of agriculture.

The department has also taken adequate steps to prevent any diseases afflicting the crop. Mustard is grown mostly in the districts of Bharatpur, Alwar, Sawai Madhopur, Kotah, Dausa etc.

In fact the crop is now being grown all over the state as it requires less of irrigation as against wheat. In wheat at least six irrigation are required. The crop is also rain-fed in certain areas.

In Rajasthan the mustard crop has become quite popular with the farmers in the recent year due to its larger yields. The total area under the crop was only 8 lakh hectares about ten years ago.

The area has been going up regularly and the saturation has yet to be reached, says the director.

The most commonly seed varieties being used in Rajasthan are T-59, Pusa Bold and Rajat. The yields are also good. However the department is in touch with the RajasthanAgriculture University with a view to giving better seed varieties.

Last year was most unusual for the mustard traders. At one time the price even shot up to Rs 2600 per quintal. The sentiment among the traders also changed with outbreak of dropsy disease. It was feared that the farmers would prefer to grow wheat instead of mustard.

But these fears have not come true as the farmers continue to show their preference for the crop due largely to the better returns. The state government has also launched a new scheme to help the cultivators get a better price of their produce.

The State Warehousing Corporation Ltd has been directed by the government to advance 75 per cent of the market value of their produce and keep the stocks in their godowns.

The amount is given as loan and once the farmers get a better rice the same is sold and the money is repaid to the Warehousing Corporation.

``The whole idea is to avoid distress sales of mustard in the mandies'', says Raj.

The government has also announceda support price of Rs 1000 per quintal for mustard. At this price however the government may not be able to purchase the oilseed crop.

In Rajasthan there are thousands of solvent extraction plants and the oil is sold mostly in the North-Eastern region of the country. The oilcakes also are being exported. The total exports of the oilcakes is put at around Rs 350 crore per year, says the director.