Forecasting and Growth Trends of Oilseed Crops in Punjab

Abstract

The present study highlighted the future trends and growth of area, production and productivity of major oilseed crops in Punjab and found ways to make the state compete with other major producing states of the country. The area under oilseed crops in the state declined from 155 to 40 thousand hectares during 1950-51 to 2019-20. During the stages of development, Punjab agriculture has witnessed changes in its land use and cropping pattern under the influence of market forces. There was an increase in the area under wheat and paddy crops due to the introduction of their high yielding varieties and assured prices in the market. Consequently, oilseeds like groundnut, rapeseed and mustard, and sesamum which were important crops earlier, lost their significance in the cropping pattern of the state due to fall in their areas over time.