Domestic oilseed is pure & free from adulteration Credit goes to Nazim e Ziraat
In Kashmir valley, the yellow flowers of the mustard crop have spread the beauty of Kashmir’s plaintiffs. Mustard crop is flourishing in hundreds of hectares of Kashmir. Seeing the yellow flowers of mustard, it seems that these days valley is covered under the yellow sheet. Farmers of the valley are looking very happy to see the flowering mustard plants in the fields. Now seeing the yellow gold floating in the fields, farmers are expecting a good mustard crop this year. The smell of yellow gold i.e. mustard has started appearing in the fields and in view of the change in the weather, good production is being expected across the valley as harvesting has already started. Weather too has remained suitable for mustard crop .In the desire of more production with less cost, sowing of mustard in the fields, farmers have preferred this crop and huge area has been covered under this crop than last year. The area under the mustard crop has witnessed an increase in all districts of Kashmir as compared to the last year. Experts are of the opinion that the current population of Kashmir valley has exceeded 6.9 million and in order to meet the edible oil needs of this growing population, it is imperative to increase the production of oilseeds like mustard. Farmers were given mustard seeds free of cost under diversification,Department has provided mini kits that carry 2 kg packet of mustard seeds for each to farmers. Every nook and corner of valley from hills to plains has been covered. Department of Agriculture Production & farmers welfare under the leadership of Head of Department Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal has worked hard in achieving the goal. Nazim Ziraat himself has remained particular and on the forefront for the successful campaign of reviewing the traditional practice of domestic Mustard crop (Kashur Teel Fasal). Having great motivational power, intelligence, professionalism, work culture and technical knowhow HOD has getting applauds on all fronts. Vast area has been put into use under oilseed crop, which otherwise has remain idle in previous years. He has given new shape and shine to the department. Field agencies too are working hard to revive our own oldest profession. It is expected our oilseed production will cater 50% of the population, which is going to be achievement. Credit goes to HOD Agriculture kashmir. Not only this every wing and branch of the department viz; Extension, inputs, enforcement, soil testing labs, seed multiplication farms, agrostology, apiculture, mushroom, floriculture and agro industries has activated. Organizing of farmer training programmes, social media contacts, reach out programmes to far flung areas has attracted and benefitted poorest of the poor farmers.
Contribution of mustard cultivation in the prosperity of farmers: Mustard crop has a special contribution in the economy. Mustard crop is very beneficial for farmers. It gives more income for less cost.35-40 percent oil is obtained from mustard and oil cake is also obtained from mustard in the form of residue which increases the milk production of milch animals. Oil cake is also used as organic manure. It is considered best for human consumption. Medicos are also of the opinion that due to exclusion of domestic mustard oil in daily diet, various health issues have aroused in valley as edible oil in valley doesn’t reach in purest form.
Benefits of mustard oil : Mustard oil has antiseptic properties, it cures urinary problems and it also fights intestinal and digestive infections. Massaging the skin with scalp oil can protect it from the effects and pollution of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It also prevents wrinkles and is also used on face packs. Mustard oil was ignored in the past, refined and other oils were popular but as soon as the heart started beating and medical experts started pointing fingers towards refined oil for heart disease, then mustard oil has been in the headlines. Its benefits are being lost and its use has increased tremendously. Considered extremely useful for the body, mustard oil has a very pleasing aroma and taste, it contains many vitamins and nutrients including Vitamin H, Vitamin A, Calcium, Protein, and Omega 3. Mustard oil is used for home remedies due to its medicinal properties. It is also used in Ayurveda to treat certain health problems. Using mustard oil, which is rich in anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, when vegetables are prepared, they are not only tasty but also help to prevent many diseases. Not only Ayurveda but also nutritionists believe that people who use mustard oil for cooking at home are less sick as compared to other oils. Food cooked in mustard oil is easier to digest than food cooked in any other oil, which is why people who use it are less likely to suffer from constipation. Mustard oil has antiseptic properties, it cures urinary problems and it also fights intestinal and digestive infections. Massaging the scalp with scalp oil can protect it from the effects and pollution of the sun’s violet rays. In addition, it also prevents wrinkles, it is also used on face packs. Massage of mustard oil on the body helps in speeding up the blood circulation. Mustard oil should be massaged. It facilitates the flow of oxygen to the vital organs of the body. Its massage can relieve muscle pain. It has antifungal properties, meaning it kills the fungus and also prevents it from growing. Mustard oil is very beneficial for hair. It contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid that promote hair growth. Using it for a long time will stop hair loss.
Beneficial for heart health : According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adding mustard oil to foods is beneficial for heart health, as the monounsaturated fatty acids in it reduce the levels of harmful cholesterol in the body and in the blood. Helps in the circulation of fat by keeping it stable.
Infection protection: Mustard oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, its use on the outer surface of the body or by putting it in food helps to fight against digestive tract infections including seasonal infections.
Improve blood circulation: Massaging the body with mustard oil improves blood circulation and skin structure while also reducing the pressure on the muscles. In addition, it helps in expelling toxins from the body by activating the sweat glands.
Five Amazing Benefits of Applying Hair Oil, Great for the skin : Mustard oil is rich in Vitamin E which is good for the skin. Applying it on the skin reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It acts like a sunscreen. Applying too much oil on the body can be harmful and itchy, but people with oily and sensitive skin should avoid massaging it. In addition, massaging equal amounts of coconut oil and mustard oil also improves skin tone.
Improves hair growth: If hair is falling out or their growth rate has slowed down then use of mustard oil can be helpful in this regard. The beta carotene in mustard oil accelerates hair growth, its massage improves blood circulation inside the scalp while the antibacterial properties protect the scalp from infection. In the same way, grind mustard seeds into a paste and mix it with mustard oil and leave it on the scalp overnight, then it can help in controlling the problem of hair loss.
Shine your teeth: Take a pinch of iodine-free salt and add a small amount of mustard oil. If you want, you can also add a pinch of turmeric. After that, take the mixture and massage it on the teeth with your fingers for two minutes.Then keep your mouth shut for a few minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water and you will notice a noticeable difference in a few days by using this mixture regularly.
Heal chapped lips: Mustard oil is the best treatment for chapped lips, but do not apply it on chapped lips, but at night before going to bed, put two or three drops in the navel and sleep and do this daily. This process will eliminate the cracking of your lips and they will never look dry. This is a wonderful and ancient treatment, which gives natural softness to the lips and keeps them soft and moist
(The author is an agriculture specialist. Views are his own)