Mosaic virus, pest attacks in three states to hit soybean output this year

Soybean Processors' Association estimates India's soybean output at 9.3 million tonnes for crop year 2019-20, a sharp decline from 10.9 million tonnes reported in 2018-19

Despite all the efforts being made to replant in areas where seed germination failed, India's soybean output is likely to be impacted due to sporadic virus spread in parts of Madhya Pradesh and pest attacks on standing crops in Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

A recent survey conducted by the apex trade body the Indore-based Soybean Processors’ Association (SOPA), finds sporadic yellow mosaic virus spreading in some parts of Madhya Pradesh's Nimar region. Apart from that, infestation by gram pod borer, tobacco caterpillar and green semi-looper has been observed in some areas of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, three state that contribute nearly