New Delhi: Both the Union Ministry of Agriculture and various industry and trade associations have projected a significant increase in domestic mustard production this season. While heavy arrivals of the new mustard crop have commenced in key markets across major producing states, prices witnessed a tremendous surge during the week of March 14–20, driven by robust demand from oil millers, traders, and stockists.

During the week under review, the price of 42% condition mustard rose by ₹400 per quintal in both Delhi and Jaipur, reaching ₹6,900 and ₹7,250 per quintal, respectively.

Similarly, prices for average-quality mustard jumped by ₹900 per quintal in Bundi, ₹600 in Bharatpur, ₹575 in Agra, ₹554 in Kumher, Deeg, and Nadbai, ₹500 in Alwar, ₹425 in Khairthal, and ₹400 in Ganganagar. Mustard prices in other markets across the country also witnessed an upward trend, rising by ₹150 to ₹375 per quintal. The only exception was Hisar, where prices softened slightly by ₹50.

Following the sharp surge in mustard seed prices, the rates for both Expeller and *Kacchi Ghani* (cold-pressed) mustard oil also rose by up to ₹100 per 10 kg. In Delhi, the price of Expeller oil increased by ₹70, reaching ₹1,450 per 10 kg. In Morena, both Expeller and *Kacchi Ghani* oil prices rose by ₹100 each, reaching ₹1,490 and ₹1,500 per 10 kg, respectively. In Jaipur, *Kacchi Ghani* oil prices rose by ₹100 to reach ₹1,500, while in Agra, they jumped by ₹120 to reach ₹1,510. Mustard Cake (DOC)

The market for mustard cake and DOC also remained firm; the primary reason for this is believed to be the sharp surge in mustard prices.