Edible oil industry body SEA has expressed concern over wholesale prices of mustard seeds falling below the minimum support price of Rs 5,650 per quintal and urged the government to intervene immediately.

“We urge the authorities to direct (cooperative) NAFED to establish procurement centers in major mandi areas to facilitate the purchase of mustard seeds at MSP, thereby supporting market stability and farmer welfare,” Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) president Ajay Jhunjhunwala said.

MSP remains a crucial concern, particularly in the ongoing harvesting season for mustard. The current market prices of mustard seeds are below the MSP of Rs 5,650, necessitating immediate government intervention, he said.

Jhunjhunwala said despite reaching a peak of 100 lakh hectares in acreage during the current season, mustard cultivation faces stagnation due to declining prices.