From the archive record
India is the third largest rapeseed-mustard producer in the world after China and Canada with 12 per cent of world’s total production (2006-07). This crop accounts for nearly one-third of the oil produced in India, making it the country’s key edible oilseed crop. Due to the gap between domestic availability and actual consumption of edible oils, India has to resort to import of edible oils. Rapeseed-mustard is the major source of income especially even to the marginal and small farmers in rainfed areas Since these crops are cultivated mainly in the rain-fed and resource scarce regions of the country, their contribution to livelihood security of the small and marginal farmers in these regions is also very important. By increasing the domestic production substantial import substitution can b