New Delhi: Despite limited arrivals in major markets of key producing states, mustard prices declined by Rs. 100-150 per quintal during the week of December 6-12 due to weak demand from crushing and processing units and private trading firms.

The price of 42% condition mustard fell by Rs. 150 to Rs. 6950 per quintal in Delhi and by Rs. 100 to Rs. 7200 per quintal in Jaipur.

Similarly, the price of average quality mustard declined by Rs. 45-50 in Gujarat and by Rs. 50-100 per quintal in Madhya Pradesh, while in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, the price fell by Rs. 150 to Rs. 7000 per quintal.

Prices remained stable in Hapur mandi of Uttar Pradesh, but there was a decline of Rs. 50 in Agra mandi. Prices remained soft in most markets of Rajasthan, the leading producing state. There was a decline of Rs. 130 in Niwai and Nagaur. Similarly, there was a decline of Rs. 20 to 50 in Ganganagar, Bharatpur and Alwar, but a rise of Rs. 50 was recorded in Kota. In Bundi, the price fell by Rs. 50 to Rs. 7050 per quintal.

Due to the decline in mustard prices, the prices of both expeller and kachi ghani mustard oil softened by Rs. 2-3 per kg. In Delhi, the price of expeller oil fell by Rs. 25 to Rs. 1420 per 10 kg and in Ludhiana to Rs. 1435 per 10 kg. The price of kachi ghani mustard oil declined by Rs. 30-40 per 10 kg in Morena, Ganganagar, Bharatpur, Alwar and Kota. In Agra, there was a decline of Rs. 20.

Demand for mustard cake and DOC remained weak, leading to a softening of prices. Mustard oilseed meal (DOC) prices witnessed a decline of ₹500 to ₹800 per quintal. Chinese importers remained largely inactive, and domestic demand was also weak.

Mustard sowing is still underway, and the area sown is ahead of last year. With expectations of a better harvest, the arrival of old mustard stocks in the markets is likely to increase. Regular sales of mustard are also taking place from government stocks. Since the arrival of new mustard crops begins in February, farmers may increase sales in January.