Lack Of Quality Seed To Hit Mp Soya Output

The soya production in Madhya Pradesh is likely to suffer this year in absence of quality seeds. Though the prediction of normal monsoon has painted a rosy picture but in absence of quality seed the productivity is unlikely to cross 4 million tonnes.

According to the Indore-based Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) forecast, the soya crop acreage is expected to increase by 15-20 per cent this year.

The soya crop in most parts of the Malwa region had been destroyed last year and hence the production went down, despite an increase in the acreage from 40.26 lakh hectare to 42.37 lakh hectare, in the state.

The report has said that the country's overall precipitation till July-end was 49.04 cm against the normal of 46.61 cm for the same period last year.

Speaking to Business Standard, O P Goyal, chairman, SOPA said, "We are expecting to increase the acreage by 15-20 per cent to 42.37 lakh hectare under soya cultivation. But it may not to be achieved because of non-availability of quality seeds in Madhya Pradesh."

He said, "The state requires at least 8,00,000 tonnes of soya seed but the availability is limited to 1.25-1.5 lakh quintals. We are demanding for the revival of Oilfed (Oil Federation) and we hope that next year we will be able to provide quality seed of 3.25 lakh quintals to the farmers.

According to state estimates, the soya production is likely to touch 4.4 million tonnes in 2002-03 against 3.95 million tonnes of 2001-02. While the state estimates for acreage under soya cultivation is at 101 lakh hectare during 2002-03.

SOPA had also organised various programmes to upgrade the production techniques of farmers in the state. Goyal said, "At present, we are working on agriculture extension work and seed multiplication methods. We are also working with non-government organisations to find out methods to increase the production of soya in Madhya Pradesh."