News Context: Indian mustard farmers are facing a severe crisis due to a widespread infestation of the parasitic weed Orobanche aegyptiaca (commonly called Broomrape or Margoja).
- The "Hidden" Threat: Unlike common weeds, Orobanche is a root parasite. It has no chlorophyll; it attaches to the mustard roots underground and siphons off water, carbon, and nutrients.
- The Damage: By the time the purple flowers appear above ground, the damage (stunted growth, yellowing) is already done. It can reduce yields by 30% to 50%.
- Persistence: A single plant produces thousands of tiny seeds that remain viable in the soil for up to 20 years.
- Wholistic Insight: The crisis is pushing farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan to switch to crops like wheat, which could hurt India’s goal of Atmanirbhar (Self-reliance) in Edible Oils.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
