Oilseed Cultivation: ‘Yellow Revolution’ in Kashmir

This spring, the blooming mustard fields spread across the Kashmir Valley have turned the region into a mesmerising landscape. These fields are visible from north to south and central districts, as well as along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

Given the surge in production, officials and farmers have named the transformation a “Yellow Revolution”.

Farmers attribute the good yield to the guidance and seeds provided to them by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), a government agricultural university that conducts agricultural research, develops improved crop varieties, and provides scientific guidance and training to farmers across Kashmir.

The institute has supplied high-yield oilseed varieties, such as Shalimar Sarson-2 (SS-2), to farmers and provided them with scientific guidance on seed sowing at various stages of the season. Alongside the availability of high-quality seeds, timely rainfall and favourable weather conditions during the growing season have also led to good crop production.

“The crop this year looks healthier and more uniform compared to previous seasons,” said Mr. Irshad Ahmad, a farmer from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. “We are thankful to SKUAST-K and nature as well.”

According to SKUAST-K officials, scientific intervention has increased oilseed production this year from around 50 to 60 kilograms per Kanal to nearly 80 to 90 kilograms per Kanal. “The seed we provided to farmers goes through multi-layer scientific examination,” said Prof. Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, senior scientist and head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Pulwama. “We also carried out sustained awareness campaigns during seed sowing.”

Mr. Mugloo also said that timely rainfall played a vital role in boosting the crop and contributing to the bumper production this season. “The crop received timely rainfall, especially during the seed germination period, and that played a crucial role in its healthy growth,” he said.

In Kashmir, mustard cultivation has increased rapidly in recent years, both in terms of area and productivity. The crop is now making a good contribution to farmers’ incomes and, if the current trend continues, it could help reduce the region’s dependence on imported edible oil.

“Our aim is to make the region self-sufficient in mustard oil, and that is why we have launched targeted interventions under centrally sponsored schemes,” said Mr. Mugloo.

Farmers opt for oilseed cultivation, particularly in areas where traditional crops offer lower returns, because it is less labour-intensive and is grown during the off-season. In addition, it requires comparatively less irrigation and fewer plant protection measures. 

“Oilseed is an easy crop to grow,” said Mr. Irshad. “It can give good returns if looked after properly.”

This year, major production in terms of percentage has been reported from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Along the national highway in Pampore, known as the saffron town, saffron fields are now covered with a mustard crop.

There has also been speculation on social media, with some claiming that saffron land is being converted for mustard cultivation. Farmers, however, reject this claim, saying the fields support double cropping. According to them, mustard is grown during the spring season, while saffron is cultivated in autumn, allowing the same land to be used efficiently across seasons.

Mr. Mugloo also dismissed concerns about saffron land being diverted to oilseed cultivation. “Saffron is our precious crop,” he said. “We have never recommended, and will never recommend, that farmers convert saffron land for any other cultivation.”

At the same time, Mr. Mugloo stressed the need for a scientific approach to oilseed sowing. He said the land can be used for intercropping, but farmers should avoid the practice of broadcasting seeds and instead adopt line sowing.

“They should undertake oilseed cultivation in alternate lines,” he said. “Oilseed cultivation can help improve the fertility of saffron land and enhance soil moisture, which will be beneficial for saffron production in autumn.”

The mustard fields, combined with the Valley’s natural setting, have turned into seasonal attractions. These fields have created striking visual scenes that attract tourists, photographers, and social media content creators.

“It looks like heaven here,” said Mr. Sandeep Kumar, a tourist from Mumbai. “These mustard fields with snow-covered mountains in the background give a mesmerising look. A person does not want to leave these fields.”

However, farmers have urged visitors to be careful while visiting these fields.

They have advised people not to walk through or trample the crop, as even minor damage can affect yield.

“People should use designated paths and maintain a safe distance, so that the harvest is not affected,” said Mr. Irshad.