The real estate boom in Chitwan during 2008 significantly reshaped the agricultural landscape, causing a decline in traditional mustard farming as farmers embraced more lucrative ventures like commercial vegetable cultivation. The acreage dedicated to mustard, which stood at an impressive 22,996 hectares in 1998-99, saw a sharp reduction to 11,130 hectares by 2008-09. However, recent years have witnessed a notable resurgence in mustard farming in Chitwan, marked by an increasing trend in cultivation area from 12,255 hectares in 2019-20 to an impressive 21,850 hectares in the current fiscal year (2023-24). This shift is not only revitalizing a traditional practice but also holds promise for Nepal’s economy by potentially reducing its reliance on edible oil imports.
The return to mustard farming in Chitwan is attributed to various factors, including a renewed interest among farmers, increased awareness of the health benefits of mustard, and a surge in demand for mustard oil seeds post the Russia-Ukraine war. Farmers find mustard cultivation more accessible due to its lower irrigation requirements and shorter maturation period compared to crops like wheat. Despite concerns about the impact on wheat production areas, the positive trajectory in mustard farming is seen as a welcome development. The current productivity stands at 1.3 tonnes per hectare, showcasing an improvement from previous levels.
The historical context reveals a cyclical pattern in mustard production, influenced by government policies, urbanization, and shifting agricultural practices. While the government actively encouraged mustard production from 1990 to 2000, the subsequent decade witnessed a decline attributed to factors like rapid urbanization, changing land dynamics, and the adoption of commercial vegetable farming. Efforts are now underway to support mustard cultivation, including subsidies for agricultural groups. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s data indicates a positive trend, with Nepal producing 220,250 tonnes of mustard on 198,197 hectares in the fiscal year 2020-21. This signals a resurgence in mustard farming after a period of decline, underscoring the sector’s resilience and adaptability in Chitwan.
