Soybean production in the country has grown by about 6% this kharif season, reaching 126 million tonnes, according to the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA). Despite no significant change in cultivated area, higher productivity, which increased from 1,002 kg to 1,063 kg per hectare, drove this boost in output. SOPA’s Executive Director, Mr. D N Pathak, credited favorable weather patterns and advanced farming techniques for this rise, though a dry spell in August affected yields in certain regions.
SOPA reported that soybeans were cultivated across 118.32 million hectares this season, yielding 125.82 million tonnes compared to last year’s figures of 118.55 million hectares and 118.74 million tonnes. Madhya Pradesh, leading in soybean cultivation, produced 55.40 million tonnes from 52 million hectares, while Maharashtra is expected to produce 50.17 million tonnes from 45 million hectares. Rajasthan’s production stands at 10.53 million tonnes from 11.13 million hectares.
With India currently importing around 60% of its edible oil needs, industry experts emphasize the need to increase oilseed production. To promote self-reliance, the government has raised the minimum support price (MSP) for soybeans to $58.23 per quintal for the 2024-25 season, compared to $54.75 last year.
