Mustard field in Madi, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki Thapa

Chitwan, a Terain district is rich in agricultural traditions. Amongst the various crops that thrive in its fertile lands are mustard and sesame, cultivated in the category of oilseeds. Mostly in early winters, the gold field of mustard flourishing has become a symbol of agricultural prosperity in the eastern region of Chitwan. These oilseeds are planted in about 28 percent of the cultivable land in the district.

Mustard (Brassica campestris L. Var. toria) is one of the important oilseed crops of Nepal which belongs to the family Cruciferae and is popularly known as "tori" in Nepal. Mustard seeds contain 40-50% oil and 20-25% protein (Hasanuzzaman et al ., 2008). Similarly, 4.8% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, and 1.3 potash can be obtained from mustard oil cake which is called pinah in Nepali.

Mustard is cross-pollinated and an entomophilic plant. It requires a large number of pollinating agents for better pollination and seed production. Honeybees are natural pollinators of plants throughout their natural range. 

The Directorate of Agricultural Development reported a significant increase in Mustard production in Chitwan because the region has favorable weather conditions and the absence of frost is best for the mustard flowers. And for that reason, Chitwan farmers have shifted towards mustard cultivation plus the demand for mustard has risen in past years and so have the prices nationwide. 

According to the Agriculture Modernization Project, Chitwan, the increase in production was due to the increase in attraction towards mustard farming and the implementation of pocket and block programs. A mustard block program introduced especially in Madi Municipality and four municipalities of East Chitwan two years ago played a pivotal role in promoting mustard farming. Farmers are now dedicating larger areas with at least one hectare added to the cultivation each year. The favorable market conditions, coupled with the ease of mustard cultivation compared to other crops, have contributed to this upward trajectory. Farmers in Chitwan are slowing down regular vegetable farming.

Thus, the increased cultivation areas and higher productivity of the precious oilseeds look like a promising future for the farmers in Chitwan.

The photos of mustard farm expanse in Madi and Sauraha regions of Chitwan

Misty morning in Sauraha. Photo by Nikki ThapaSauraha, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaSauraha, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaSauraha, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaSauraha, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaSauraha, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaSauraha, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaMadi, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaMadi, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki ThapaMadi, Chitwan. Photo by Nikki Thapa