Trends and status of oilseed production in Rajasthan: A crop-wise analysis

Abstract

The study examined the performance of annual oilseeds in Rajasthan by analyzing area, production, and yield over the period 1966-67 to 2018-19, which was divided into three sub-periods: pre-Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO) (Period I: 1966-67 to 1985-86), TMO implementation to liberalization (Period II: 1986-87 to 1999-2000), and post-liberalization (Period III: 2000-01 to 2018-19). The results revealed accelerated growth across all three parameters, with the highest growth rates recorded during Period II, coinciding with TMO implementation. Notably, growth momentum continued into Period III, despite the country’s dependence on edible oil imports, reflecting the sustained oilseed production in the state, largely driven by technology diffusion, adoption of improved practices, and availability of high-yielding and hybrid seed varieties. A crop-wise trend analysis further highlighted the consistent contribution of rapeseed-mustard, soybean, and castor across the study periods, while groundnut showed steady progress, indicating its rising importance in Rajasthan’s oilseed sector. In contrast, sesame displayed signs of mild improvement in Period III compared to earlier periods. Overall, the findings underscore Rajasthan’s vital role in India’s oilseed economy and point towards the need for continued technological and policy interventions to sustain growth.