Linseed and Safflower are Crops of the Future, Says DG (ICAR) Dr ML Jat at BAU Meet Annual Rabi Oilseeds Group Meet concludes at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi

10 September 2025, Ranchi

Linseed and safflower, known for their medicinal and nutritional benefits, were highlighted as “crops of the future” by Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), during the plenary session of the Annual Rabi Oilseeds Group Meet–2025 held at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi today.

Speaking at the two-day event, Dr. Jat emphasized the need to promote these traditionally underutilized crops, stating, “Linseed and safflower are not just food crops they contribute significantly to health and well-being. It’s time to make them glamorous. In a world driven by profit and economic competitiveness, we must not forget that not all crops suit every region. Small crops can play a big role in addressing health challenges posed by fancy and high-profile foods.”

Dr. Jat pointed out the potential of expanding the cultivation of these crops in India’s 12 million hectares of rice fallow areas, particularly in states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, through sustainable intensification. Given their climate resilience and low input and water requirements, linseed and safflower offer promising alternatives for farmers.

“The morale of both scientists and farmers working with these crops needs to be elevated. With high morale, everything is possible,” Dr. Jat added.
Dr. D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, stressed the importance of focusing not just on productivity but also on improving oil content, oil and fibre quality, and exploring the dual-purpose utility of these crops through intensified research.

Currently, the average national productivity of linseed stands at 633 kg/ha. However, frontline demonstrations across several states have achieved yields up to 1,000 kg/ha, and research trials have shown the potential to scale this up to 2 tonnes per hectare with quality seeds, improved agronomic practices, infrastructure support, and conducive policies.

Other dignitaries who addressed the meet included BAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. S.C. Dubey; Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, Assistant Director General (Oilseeds & Pulses) ICAR; and Dr. R.K. Mathur, Director, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Hyderabad.

Dr. P.K. Singh, Director, Research, BAU, delivered the vote of thanks.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Telangana)