Climate smart strategies for sustainable production of rapeseed-mustard in India

The mean annual temperature of India has shown significant warming trend. In developing countries, climate change will cause yield declines for the most important crops. The effects of an increase in carbon dioxide would be higher on C3 crops (such as mustard) than on C4 crops (such as maize). India is among the largest vegetable oil economies in the world. Although there has been a significant increase in oilseed production since 1960s in India but, the demand for oilseeds production continuously growing. The productivity of all oilseeds in India is just 50–60% of the world average, which need to be enhanced. Indian mustard is sharing 24.3 % area and contributes about 24.7 % of total edible oilseed production of the country. Though states like Haryana and Gujarat has realized a yield level of 1869 and 1521 kg/ha respectively, which is commendable. The reasons for this success are better input (soil, water, varieties, fertilizers, seed, plant protection etc) management and sound extension system of these states, which helps the farmers to reduce the climate associated risk. The strategies for sustainable production of rapeseed - mustard in India need a paradigms shift on genetic enhancement, innovative agro techniques for enhanced mustard productivity especially land and seedbed preparation, seed and sowing- seed priming, efficient cropping systems, water management, efficient nutrient management, integrated weed management, resource conservation technologies and contingency crop planning (CCP).