DRMR 150-35 Mustard Variety: Boost Farmers Income After Paddy Harvest in Chhattisgarh

Key Highlights

• DRMR 150-35 mustard seeds distributed to farmers in Raipur under Khet Bachao Abhiyan - Rabi 2026.

• The initiative is expected to promote mustard cultivation across approximately 270 acres.

• The variety offers a yield potential of 12-18 quintals per hectare and 36.7%-42.8% oil content.

• Scientists advised farmers to complete mustard sowing before November 30.

• Farmers encouraged to avoid stubble burning and adopt sustainable residue management.

Mustard cultivation is being promoted in Chhattisgarh to help farmers make better use of their fields after paddy harvesting and earn additional income during the Rabi season. As part of this initiative, scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have encouraged farmers to cultivate the improved mustard variety DRMR 150-35, which is suitable for the region and can perform well under rain-fed conditions.

To support this initiative, seeds of the DRMR 150-35 mustard variety were distributed to farmers at the ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management in Raipur. The seed distribution programme was organised under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan - Rabi 2026, where scientists also guided farmers on scientific mustard cultivation, timely sowing, fertiliser management and proper handling of paddy crop residue.

According to the institute, the seeds distributed to farmers under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) are expected to encourage mustard cultivation across approximately 270 acres. The initiative aims to increase oilseed production, improve land utilisation after paddy harvesting and create an additional source of income for farmers.

DRMR 150-35 Mustard Variety: Key Features and Yield Potential

According to the technical specifications of ICAR-Indian Rapeseed-Mustard Research Institute (ICAR-DRMR), Bharatpur, DRMR 150-35 is a notified Indian mustard variety released for cultivation in Zone V.

The variety was notified in 2020 and is recommended for Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam. It is also considered suitable for rain-fed farming conditions, making it a useful option for farmers who have limited irrigation facilities.

The variety has a reported maturity period of around 114 days, with an average yield potential of 12 to 18 quintals per hectare. Its oil content ranges between 36.7% and 42.8%, making it an important option for improving mustard production.

Some of the important features of DRMR 150-35 include:

• Variety: DRMR 150-35

• Notification year: 2020

• Maturity period: Approximately 114 days

• Average yield potential: 12-18 quintals per hectare

• Oil content: 36.7%-42.8%

• Suitable conditions: Rain-fed farming

• Recommended states: Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam

Farmers Advised to Complete Mustard Sowing Before November 30

During the farmer awareness programme, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Joint Director of the institute, explained the characteristics of DRMR 150-35 and shared scientific methods for its cultivation.

He advised farmers to complete mustard sowing preferably before November 30 to get better results. According to him, timely sowing, along with proper crop management, can help farmers achieve yields of approximately 10 to 12 quintals per hectare.

Farmers were also advised to focus on quality seeds, proper row spacing, balanced fertiliser application and timely irrigation. These practices can support healthy crop growth and help improve overall productivity.

Mustard is an important Rabi oilseed crop that can be cultivated with limited irrigation. Farmers can use the moisture remaining in their fields after paddy harvesting to grow mustard and make better use of the available land during the winter season. However, the actual yield will depend on several factors, including soil conditions, weather, sowing time, irrigation availability and crop management practices.

Mustard Cultivation After Paddy Can Increase Farmers Income

In Chhattisgarh, paddy is a major crop, and farmers often have a limited window to prepare their fields for the next crop after harvesting it. Scientists believe that introducing mustard cultivation during this period can help farmers use their available land more effectively. Instead of leaving fields unused after paddy harvesting, farmers can grow oilseed crops during the Rabi season.

The cultivation of DRMR 150-35 can provide an additional income opportunity while also supporting the country's oilseed production. The initiative under Khet Bachao Abhiyan - Rabi 2026 is therefore focused on encouraging crop diversification and helping farmers adopt suitable crops according to local farming conditions.

Scientists Advise Farmers Against Burning Paddy Crop Residue

Along with promoting mustard cultivation, scientists also highlighted the importance of proper paddy residue management. Farmers were advised not to burn the leftover paddy straw and other crop residues after harvesting. Instead, they can use agricultural machinery such as mulchers to chop the residue into smaller pieces and mix it into the soil.

This practice helps increase organic matter in the soil, improve soil structure and maintain fertility. It can also support better soil health over the long term. Dr. Pankaj Sharma encouraged farmers to harvest paddy on time, prepare their fields properly and adopt pulses and oilseed crops during the Rabi season. Such practices can help farmers diversify their cropping patterns, improve the use of available resources and maintain the long-term productivity of agricultural land.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan Focuses on Soil Health and Lower Farming Costs

Institute Director Dr. P.K. Rai said that the main objective of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan is to protect agricultural land, maintain soil fertility and encourage the responsible use of natural resources. He urged farmers to adopt proper crop residue management, balanced fertiliser application and sustainable farming practices.

Dr. Rai also highlighted that adopting scientific agricultural techniques can help farmers reduce cultivation costs while improving crop production and profitability.

The farmer awareness and seed distribution programme witnessed participation from male and female farmers, along with public representatives. The programme was moderated by Dr. K.C. Sharma and Dr. Priyanka Meena.

Also Read: Cyclone Arnab Crop Damage: Chhattisgarh Begins Survey, Farmers Can Claim Compensation Under PMFBY

CMV360 Says

The promotion of DRMR 150-35 mustard in Chhattisgarh offers farmers an opportunity to earn additional income after paddy harvesting. With a yield potential of 12-18 quintals per hectare and suitability for rain-fed conditions, the variety can support Rabi cultivation. Timely sowing before November 30, balanced fertiliser use and proper paddy residue management can further improve farming practices, soil health and long-term agricultural productivity.