Soyabean sowing crosses 100 LH; crops need rain by July 20

Total area sown under Soyabean is likely to be 100-110 lakh hectares this Kharif season, almost similar to last year, but crop yield could be affected if there are no rains by early next week in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, an industry body said today.
"As regards area coverage under soyabean cultivation as on date, we have crossed 100 lakh hectares against last year's total of 110 lakh hectares. There is a possibility that area under soyabean this year will remain between 100 to 110 lakh hectares," Soyabean Processors' Association of India (SOPA) Chairman Davish Jain said in a statement.

"If the rain occurs latest by 20th July 2015, the crop development will be normal and satisfactory," he added.
This assessment is based on survey in 22 major soyabean growing districts in these two states.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected a
deficit monsoon this year.

In Madhya Pradesh, SOPA said that overall vegetative growth is average and the crop condition is also average. In Malwa region, it has been found that about 2 lakh hectare area is under severe moisture stress and the crop in this area is virtually lost, SOPA said.
"Almost 80 per cent sowing of soybean was completed during the first spell of rains in mid-June. The crop sown in this spell is currently under moisture stress, but will still revive, in case the rain occurs within next 3-4 days. Otherwise, the yield in this area will be adversely affected.

"Subsoil moisture is still present at a depth of 2.5 to 3 inches and it can sustain the standing crop for another one week," SOPA said.
In Maharashtra, the area under soybean cultivation is satisfactory and higher than the government's normal area of 28 lakh hectares.
"The crop in Latur Division and Marathwada is under severe moisture stress and the productivity is likely to be adversely affected. Major area in Amravati and Nagpur Division in Vidarbha region is seen to be average to fair. If the Monsoon revives by early next week, it will improve the crop condition considerably," the statement said.

In Rajasthan, the area under soybean is likely to touch 10 lakh hectares, helped by late rains including recent rains and available irrigation facility. The crop is reported to be quite satisfactory.
SOPA has conducted a ground survey in mid Western Part of Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada in Maharashtra. Three teams of SOPA officials travelled through 22 major soybean growing districts to see the crop on the ground and talk to farmers.