Record soybean output seen despite late sowing

The deficiency in rainfall early this monsoon season and full recovery afterwards proved to be a boon for the soybean crop. Despite delayed sowing, the estimated increase in yield is expected to increase the overall productivity by eight per cent.

A study conducted by the Indore-based Soybean Processors Association (Sopa) forecast total soybean production to be at an all-time high of 12.68 million tonnes (mt) this kharif harvesting season as compared with 11.65 mt the previous year.

Sopa estimates average yield to increase to 1,185 kg per hectare (ha) for the season as compared to 1,127 kg per ha in the previous year. Overall sowing area is also estimated to increase to 10.7 million ha this year from 10.33 million ha in the previous year.

Since the seasonal rainfall was revived after two months in the first week of August, sowing was delayed proportionately. Scattered rainfall in the beginning, however, benefited the crop’s germination.

Soybean is India’s largest oilseed crop, sown with the onset of monsoon rainfall in June for harvesting in October. Barring smaller states in terms of soybean production, such as Rajasthan and Karnataka, the output in all producing states is set to increase on an improved climate favouring higher productivity. While Madhya Pradesh continues to remain on top with an estimated production of 6.2 mt, Maharashtra follows suit with four mt.