At the time when the country is facing a shortfall in the production of edible oils, the National Research Centre on Rapeseed-Mustard under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) developed a hybrid mustard seed named as NRC Sankar Sarson (NRCHB 506).

Experts believe that the new breed could lead to a milestone in the Brassica research programme in the country.

K.H. Singh, one of the senior scientist and breeder of this variety, said that the hybrid yield was 26 per cent higher than the traditional variety in the 11 trials conducted across five States.

At some locations, the yield was even up to 32 quintals per hectare. However, the new mustard seed could be cultivated only in the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Briefing the reporters, NRC director Arvind Kumar said, “The development of hybrid in Indian mustard, the second most important oilseed crop of the country will help enhance the productivity of the mustard crop.”

Rapeseed-mustard is an important oilseed crop commodity contributing 26.1 and 29.1 percent, respectively, to the total oilseed hectarage and production in India.