Soybean production could go up 7-10%: SOPA

Around 80-85% soybean sowing is done in the country and remaining may get over by first week of July

Soybean production is likely to go up by 7-10 per cent as most growing areas have witnessed early or timely sowing, said industry experts.

"Sowing is near completion and it is likely to get over across the country by July 5," said Rajesh Agrawal, coordinator and spokesman, Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA). "If all goes well, like rains at regular intervals, soybean production is likely to go up by 7-10 per cent this year," he added.

At present, around 80-85 per cent soybean sowing is done in the country and remaining may get over by first week of July, claimed Agrawal.

Sowing in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will finish by June-end but in Rajasthan it may extend to July, said traders.

In Kharif 2011-2012, soybean sowing was not timely due to delayed and insufficient rains which had resulted in second time sowing in Madhya Pradesh, said farmers. Agriculture scientists also feel India may harvest bumper soybean crop this year if the crop gets proper rains in the coming days. "Usually, sowing in last week of June is considered timely and seeds sown in this period yield maximum output," said G K Gupta, Principal Scientist, Directorate of Soybean Research (DSR) Indore. This year, most growing areas have witnessed early or timely sowing hence yield may cross 1,300 kg per hectare in many parts, added Gupta.

According to SOPA, Indian soybean output in Kharif 2012 was 12.68 million hectare and average yield in the country was 1,185 kg per hectare.