The Rapeseed-Mustard production in Gujarat is expected to rise by 15,000 tonnes in 2010-11. The preliminary survey conducted by Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) has pegged the state's rapeseed production at 3.30 lakh tonnes against 3.15 lakh tonnes reported in 2009-10.

Further, the survey revealed that area under the Rapeseed-Mustard cultivation in the state has increased by 4 per cent over last year. The area under the oilseed for the current season is noted at 216,700 hectares against 208,500 hectares in 2009-10 season.

The Banaskantha district in Gujarat witnessed maximum growth in area under rapeseed cultivation against the previous season, showing a growth of 22 per cent or 22,100 hectares at 123,100 hectares for the current season against 101,000 hectare in 2009-10. Meanwhile, Mehsana district witnessed the largest fall in the rapeseed acreage, which fell by 26 per cent over last year. The area under rapeseed cultivation in Mehsana was registered at 26,600 hectares for the year 2010-11 against 36,000 hectares for the year 2009-10.

According to SEA report, the overall area for the crop has increased by 7.19 lakh hectares, while the production is expected to increase by 9.3 lakh tonnes in the season 2010-11. The survey was conducted by 4 survey teams consisting of total 25 members including leading crushers, oilmillers, representatives of the multi-national companies, agronomists and commodity analysts.

The team members noted that the maturity of the crop was late by 2 to 3 weeks due to late sowing. Further, they also noted that weather in the next 3 to 4 weeks will play a major role on yield.

In the last 3 to 4 days weather has changed and day time temperature has increased and if it continues, would reduce the overall yield of the crop.

However, if rain falls during this period coupled with fall in temperature, would be greatly beneficial to the standing crops. As per the weather forecast, mild showers are expected in Northern India and also some parts of the Rajasthan in the next few days, SEA informed in the report.