New Delhi. It appears that producers, traders/stockists, and government agencies have low stocks of mustard remaining, while demand remains normal. Sporadic arrivals of new mustard are expected to begin next month, with significant supplies starting in March. Due to good buying by crushing and processing units, mustard prices increased by Rs. 100-200 during the week of January 17-23, while in Bundi (Rajasthan), the price jumped by Rs. 800 to reach Rs. 7300 per quintal.

During the week under review, the price of 42 percent condition mustard fell by Rs. 50 in Delhi to Rs. 6950 per quintal, but improved by Rs. 50 in Jaipur to reach Rs. 7300 per quintal. Mustard prices were Rs. 30-50 lower in Gujarat markets but improved by up to Rs. 100 in Haryana. Prices remained stable in Madhya Pradesh markets. However,

In Rajasthan, the most prominent producing state, a significant increase in the price of this oilseed was observed. Mustard prices rose in Bundi and Jaipur, as well as in Bharatpur, Alwar, Kota, Khairthal, Niwai, and Tonk. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, the price of mustard improved by Rs. 25 in Hapur to Rs. 7500 per quintal and increased by Rs. 50 in Agra to a high of Rs. 7475/7925 per quintal.

Due to the upward trend in mustard prices, the prices of mustard oil expeller and kachi ghani also improved by Rs. 1-2 per kg. In Delhi, the price of expeller increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 1455 per 10 kg, and in Alwar, it rose by Rs. 20 to Rs. 1470 per 10 kg. There, the price of raw mustard oil also increased by 20 rupees, reaching 1480 rupees per 10 kg, but in Kota, the price of raw mustard oil decreased by 40 rupees to 1450 rupees per 10 kg.

Due to lower than normal trading in mustard oilcake, prices declined by 30 to 60 rupees per quintal, but due to strong domestic and export demand for mustard DOC, prices firmed up slightly. Chinese importers are showing good interest in buying it. Mustard sowing has increased, and the crop condition is reported to be good.