Mustard is one of the most important oilseed crops in India, known for its role in producing edible oil, mustard seeds, and leafy greens. Mustard cultivation is deeply rooted in Indian agriculture, particularly in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Punjab. With its adaptability to semi-arid and cool climates, mustard is a preferred choice for farmers during the Rabi season.
India produces a wide range of mustard varieties, offering high yield, oil content, disease resistance, and adaptability to different regions. These varieties include improved types, hybrids, and traditional cultivars, ensuring better productivity and profitability for Indian farmers.
In this article, we highlight more than 10 top mustard varieties in India, their characteristics, regional suitability, and benefits for farmers.
1. Pusa Bold
Pusa Bold is a widely grown variety known for its high yield and early maturity, making it ideal for commercial cultivation.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 38–40%
- Maturity Duration: 125–135 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana
- Characteristics:
- Early maturing variety with large seeds
- Tolerant to drought and frost conditions
- Suitable for irrigated and rainfed areas
- Uses: Oil extraction and seed production
2. Pusa Vijay (NPJ-93)
Pusa Vijay is a high-yielding mustard variety developed by IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) for better productivity and oil content.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 40–42%
- Maturity Duration: 120–130 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab
- Characteristics:
- High seed yield (20–22 quintals/ha)
- Resistant to white rust and Alternaria blight
- Suitable for semi-arid regions
- Uses: Edible oil production
3. Pusa Mustard 25 (NPJ-112)
Pusa Mustard 25 is a late-sown variety, ideal for regions with delayed Rabi season planting.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 41–42%
- Maturity Duration: 115–120 days
- Regions: Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Early maturity with high seed yield
- Tolerant to lodging and pest attacks
- High oil recovery rate
- Uses: Oil extraction
4. Varuna (T-59)
Varuna is one of the most popular traditional mustard varieties, grown extensively across India due to its adaptability.
- Type: Traditional variety
- Oil Content: 38–40%
- Maturity Duration: 135–140 days
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab
- Characteristics:
- High yield potential under rainfed conditions
- Resistant to common pests and diseases
- Uses: Oil and seed production
5. RH-749
RH-749 is a high-yielding hybrid variety developed for maximum oil recovery and resilience to stress conditions.
- Type: Hybrid variety
- Oil Content: 42–43%
- Maturity Duration: 110–120 days
- Regions: Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab
- Characteristics:
- High oil yield with uniform maturity
- Tolerant to drought and high temperatures
- High seed productivity
- Uses: Commercial oil production
6. Giriraj (RMM-09)
Giriraj is a mustard variety known for its early maturity and disease resistance, making it ideal for small-scale farmers.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 41%
- Maturity Duration: 120–125 days
- Regions: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana
- Characteristics:
- Early maturing with good yield potential
- Resistant to white rust and powdery mildew
- Uses: Oil and fodder production
7. NRCHB-101
NRCHB-101 is a high-yielding variety with good oil content and resistance to major diseases.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 40–42%
- Maturity Duration: 130–135 days
- Regions: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana
- Characteristics:
- High yield potential (20–22 quintals/ha)
- Resistant to white rust and Alternaria blight
- Uses: Edible oil production
8. Rohini
Rohini is a medium-duration mustard variety that performs well under irrigated and rainfed conditions.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 39–40%
- Maturity Duration: 130–135 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- Good yield potential and stress tolerance
- Suitable for timely sown conditions
- Uses: Oil production
9. PM-28
PM-28 is a late-sown mustard variety ideal for regions experiencing late Rabi sowing conditions.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 40–42%
- Maturity Duration: 115–120 days
- Regions: Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan
- Characteristics:
- High seed yield with quick maturity
- Resistant to frost and lodging
- Uses: Edible oil
10. RLC-1
RLC-1 is a high-yielding mustard variety suited for low rainfall areas and drought-prone regions.
- Type: Improved variety
- Oil Content: 38–40%
- Maturity Duration: 130–140 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Good yield potential under low water availability
- Resistant to common pests
- Uses: Oilseed production
FAQs
Q1: Which mustard variety is best for high oil content?
A: Pusa Vijay, RH-749, and Bio-902 are known for their high oil content, ranging from 42–44%.
Q2: Which mustard variety is most suitable for drought conditions?
A: Varuna (T-59) and RLC-1 are suitable for drought-prone and rainfed regions.
Q3: Which mustard variety is ideal for late sowing?
A: Pusa Mustard 25 (NPJ-112) and PM-28 are ideal for late-sown conditions.
Q4: Which state produces the most mustard in India?
A: Rajasthan is the largest producer of mustard in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Q5: What is the average oil content in Indian mustard varieties?
A: Most Indian mustard varieties have an oil content of 38–42%, with hybrid varieties offering slightly higher yields.
India’s mustard sector has seen significant improvements through research and development, resulting in high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties like Pusa Bold, Pusa Vijay, and RH-749. By selecting the right variety based on regional conditions, farmers can boost productivity, improve oil quality, and ensure profitability. Mustard remains a crucial oilseed crop, supporting India’s agricultural economy and edible oil industry.
