Soyabean production estimated to increase by 6 percent despite decreased cultivation area
The Soybean Processors Association of India has estimated the production of soybean to be 125.817 lakh tonnes in the kharif year 2024, which is 5.96 percent more than last year
In the current Kharif season 2024, soybean production in India is estimated to reach 125.817 lakh tonnes, a 5.96 percent increase from last year's 118.744 lakh tonnes. This information comes from the preliminary estimates of the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA). The expected production increase of 7.073 lakh tonnes is attributed to favorable weather and improvements in agricultural practices, despite a decrease in the total area for cultivation.
The total area for soybean cultivation is estimated at 118.318 lakh hectares, down from 118.548 lakh hectares last year, according to SOPA. The government, however, expects the area to be 127.138 lakh hectares, creating a difference of 8.820 lakh hectares. This gap is mainly due to inter-cropping in Maharashtra and changes in maize farming in Madhya Pradesh.
SOPA conducted a survey from October 2 to October 10, 2024, covering 51 major soybean-producing districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The teams traveled 5,021 kilometers to gather data on the area and production of the crop. The survey included 25 districts in Madhya Pradesh, 20 districts in Maharashtra, and 6 districts in Rajasthan.
According to SOPA, soybean production is expected to rise from 52.46 lakh tonnes to 55.39 lakh tonnes, despite a slight decline in the area in Madhya Pradesh. In Maharashtra, production is estimated to increase to 50.16 lakh tonnes, up from 46.91 lakh tonnes, although the area has decreased to 45 lakh hectares from 45.64 lakh hectares last year. In Rajasthan, production is projected to rise to 10.52 lakh tonnes from 10.12 lakh tonnes, with the area increasing to 11.12 lakh hectares from 10.94 lakh hectares. In Karnataka, an increase in area is expected to boost production to 4.26 lakh tonnes, up from 3.87 lakh tonnes last year. In Telangana, production is expected to decline to 1.49 lakh tonnes from 1.67 lakh tonnes last year. In Gujarat, increased area is projected to lead to production of 2.94 lakh tonnes, compared to 2.48 lakh tonnes last year.
Overall, the increase in soybean production in India this year reflects improved agricultural conditions and practices, even with changes in the cultivated area across different states.
