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Science & TechnologySource: The Hindu

India to Cultivate IMI-resistant Mustard Hybrids

Friday, 12 June 2026
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Key Points

India is set to cultivate IMI-resistant mustard hybrids during the 2026-27 rabi season, a move crucial for boosting domestic oilseed production and reducing import dependency. This development is significant for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS Paper 3 on agriculture and economic development. Last Updated: 12-06-2026

Key Facts About IMI-resistant Mustard Hybrids

  • IMI-resistant mustard hybrids are designed to combat the parasitic weed Orobanche.
  • The initiative aims to enhance domestic oilseed production and reduce India's reliance on edible oil imports.
  • In 2024-25, India imported approximately 16 million tonnes of edible oils, costing around ₹1.6 lakh crore.
  • The new hybrids are developed using mutation breeding, a conventional technique preserving natural mutations.
  • Normal mustard plants are killed by IMI herbicides due to inhibition of the ALS enzyme.
  • The hybrids' natural DNA mutation alters the ALS enzyme, making them resistant to IMI herbicides.
  • This resistance allows effective eradication of the Orobanche parasite without harming the mustard crop.

India's Strategic Agricultural Goals

Enhancing mustard yields is strategically vital for addressing India's edible oil deficit. Mustard, being the most crucial rabi oilseed crop, especially in arid northern regions, faces productivity challenges due to the parasitic weed Orobanche. This initiative aligns with India's broader economic goals of achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture and reducing import costs, thereby strengthening the agricultural sector.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Economic Development - Focus on technological interventions in agriculture.
  • Prelims: Questions could focus on the definition of mutation breeding, the role of IMI herbicides, and the significance of Orobanche.
  • Mains: Analytical themes could include discussions on agricultural innovation, self-sufficiency in oilseed production, and the economic implications of reducing import dependency.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on sustainable agriculture and technological advancements in crop production.

FAQ Section

  • What is IMI-resistant mustard? IMI-resistant mustard hybrids are specially developed mustard plants that can withstand IMI herbicides, allowing them to combat the parasitic weed Orobanche effectively.
  • Why is IMI-resistant mustard important? These hybrids are crucial for boosting domestic oilseed production, reducing India's reliance on edible oil imports, and addressing the productivity challenges posed by Orobanche.
  • What are the key features of IMI-resistant mustard hybrids? Key features include resistance to IMI herbicides due to a natural mutation in the ALS enzyme, enabling effective eradication of Orobanche without harming the mustard crop.

Detailed Coverage

  • India to cultivate IMI-resistant mustard hybrids in 2026-27 rabi season.
  • Objective: Combat the Orobanche weed affecting mustard crops.
  • Enhance domestic oilseed production.
  • Reduce reliance on edible oil imports.
  • Mustard is crucial for rabi oilseed in arid northern regions.
  • Orobanche drains vital water and nutrients from mustard plants.
  • In 2024-25, India imported 16 million tonnes of edible oils.
  • Cost of imports: approximately ₹1.6 lakh crore.
  • IMI-resistant mustard developed through mutation breeding.
  • Mutation breeding preserves natural mutations unlike GM crops.
  • IMI herbicides inhibit Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) enzyme in normal mustard.
  • New hybrids alter ALS enzyme via natural DNA mutation.
  • Resistant crops allow herbicides to target Orobanche without harming mustard.
  • Mutation breeding involves exposure to physical or chemical mutagens.
  • GMOs involve direct manipulation of an organism's genome.
  • Mutation breeding considered conventional and does not need GEAC approval.
  • GMOs require biosafety assessments and GEAC approval.
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Practice Questions

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India's heavy reliance on edible oil imports has necessitated the enhancement of domestic oilseed production. In the fiscal year 2024-25, how many million tonnes of edible oils did India import, incurring significant costs?