Mustard variety · Released variety
Giriraj
Also known as DRMRIJ-31
Bharatpur, Rajasthan (ICAR-DRMR) · ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research · 2013
High-yielding variety resistant to major fungal diseases (Alternaria, powdery mildew, white rust). Particularly noted for better control of mustard aphid among tested cultivars. Released for timely-sown irrigated Zone II (Rajasthan and Haryana), filling a gap in disease-resistant genetics. Frontline demonstrations showed 21–40% yield increases over farmer practice.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | Bharatpur, Rajasthan (ICAR-DRMR) |
| Breeder / source | ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research |
| Year released | 2013 |
| Parentage | High-yielding lines selected for disease resistance |
| Yield | Reported 20–22 q/ha under irrigated conditions in Rajasthan; 2225–2750 kg/ha in frontline demonstrations |
| Tolerance | Good resistance to Alternaria blight, powdery mildew, and white rust; superior aphid management; moderate erucic acid content |
| Distinctive features | Medium height (~180 cm), medium maturity (135–140 days), 38–42% oil content; disease-resistant pedigree; suited for Rajasthan and Haryana arid/semi-arid zones |
| Grown in | Rajasthan (Zone II irrigated), Haryana; limited cultivation in adjacent regions |
| Also known as | DRMRIJ-31 |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Giriraj in detail
Giriraj is a disease-resistant, oil-rich Indian mustard bred for the arid and semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan and Haryana, released in 2013, with field demonstrations showing 21-40% yield gains over usual farmer practice.
Origin & story
Developed at the ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (DRMR), Bharatpur, Rajasthan, through pedigree selection from the cross HB 9908 (a long-siliqua selection) x HB 9916 (selected for medium height and earliness). It was released in 2013 for timely-sown irrigated cultivation in Zone II (Rajasthan and Haryana). In 2025, ICAR signed a memorandum of agreement with Narottam Seeds LLP for non-exclusive licensing of the variety to expand its reach in farmers' fields.
How it grows
Suited to timely-sown irrigated cultivation in the arid and semi-arid zones of Rajasthan and Haryana, with adoption also extending to other mustard-growing regions such as Uttar Pradesh. Grown during the rabi season. It is a medium-maturity variety, taking roughly 135-140 days. Front line demonstrations under arid conditions recorded yield increases of 21-40% over farmer practice, with additional returns of up to around 8,741 rupees per hectare.
Quality & character
Medium height (around 180 cm) with about 38-42% oil content and low erucic acid. It carries resistance to major fungal diseases of Indian mustard, including Alternaria, powdery mildew, and white rust, and showed better control of mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) than several other tested cultivars.
Why it matters to buyers
Its oil content of roughly 38-42% with low erucic acid suits both culinary use and oil extraction. As with mustard generally, the residual oil cake is used as a protein-rich livestock feed. The combination of disease resistance and yield gains over older cultivars is the main draw in semi-arid zones where disease pressure and low productivity have limited earlier varieties.
About mustard
Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) occupies over 90% of India's rapeseed-mustard acreage and has evolved through systematic breeding since the 1960s paired with farmer landraces across the rabi belt from Punjab to Madhya Pradesh. Below are 12 foundational varieties—both landmark releases from ICAR institutes and notable hybrids—that define Indian mustard…
Live market rate
Today's mustard price
See the latest mustard rate, daily range and recent trend from verified mandi & auction sources.
Other mustard varieties
From the Western Ghats
Buy clean, graded mustard from AroWest
AroWest is the spice & aromatics label of Western Crest Ventures LLP — hand-cleaned, sorted, sealed and traceable harvests from Idukki and the wider Western Ghats. Registered LLP · Udyam (MSME) · FSSAI · GST.