Once-lost mustard is making a comeback in Chitwan
Summary
Mustard cultivation in Chitwan, once in decline, is making a comeback with increased production and area under cultivation, benefiting local farmers and the economy.
Key Points
- Mustard cultivation in Chitwan declined significantly from 22,000 hectares in 1993 to 10,309 hectares in 2009/10 but has rebounded to over 14,000 hectares in recent years.
- Farmers like Pratibha Pandey Acharya are growing mustard as an additional crop between paddy seasons, using organic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility.
- Local production of mustard now exceeds demand, supporting about 700 mustard mills in Chitwan and providing economic benefits to farmers and oil producers.
- Cultivable agricultural land in Chitwan is shrinking, which may pose challenges to expanding commercial mustard farming despite increased interest.
