The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) recently concluded a highly impactful two-day field visit under the Regenerative Mustard Programme across key mustard-growing regions of Rajasthan, including Nainwa and Bundi, on December 23–24, 2025. The initiative offered first-hand insights into regenerative practices that are shaping the future of mustard farming in India and emphasised the growing momentum towards sustainable agriculture.
The delegation was led by Mr Vijay Data, Chairman, and Mr Chakresh Jain, Co-Chairman of the SEA Rapeseed Mustard Council, along with Dr B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of SEA. Industry participation included representatives such as Mr Shekhar Verma (AWL Agri Business), Mr Gangadhar & Mr Suresh Kumar (LDC), and Dr Suresh Motwani (Solidaridad), alongside other key stakeholders.
During the programme, delegations engaged in immersive interactions with progressive farmers, toured bio-resource centres and model farms, and participated in in-depth discussions on regenerative agronomic practices. Farmers shared their experiences, breakthroughs, and challenges, lending the visit a practical and insightful dimension rooted in real-world agricultural conditions.
The visit also coincided with the celebration of National Farmers’ Day, observed meaningfully on the fields with farmers. Delegates spent the day learning from farmers’ journeys and witnessing regenerative farming techniques in action, reinforcing the collective commitment to farmer-centric agricultural development.
On the second day, the engagement intensified with visits to a Mustard Model Farm for crop observation and analysis of field-level outcomes. The delegation also explored an Automatic Weather Station and a Bio-Resource Centre, gaining exposure to bio-input systems, training frameworks, and extension services designed to enhance productivity and resilience in mustard cultivation. The interactions highlighted how data-driven support and collaborative learning are accelerating advancements in sustainable farming.
More than a routine field assessment, the initiative reflected the industry’s strong commitment to stepping beyond boardroom discussions and working directly at the grassroots. SEA, in collaboration with Solidaridad and partners including AWL Agri Business, LDC, Godrej, JR Agro, VVF, and Arihant, is actively co-creating scalable and farmer-friendly solutions that support sustainable mustard production.
Early indicators show promising results; mustard acreage in the region has increased by nearly 4%, reflecting growing farmer confidence and the measurable impact of such field-level interventions and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Amidst the radiant mustard fields of Rajasthan, the programme delivered a resounding message: true agricultural progress begins at the grassroots, where farmers, industry, and stakeholders unite to cultivate a sustainable and prosperous future for Indian agriculture.
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