The area under soybean cultivation as on date has crossed 100 lakh hectares (LH), as per data compiled by Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA). This is a drop of 9% as compared to 110 LH cultivated last year. The sowing of soybean in state of Madhya Pradesh has started earlier as compared to last year. It has been found in Malwa region, that approximately 2 LH area is under severe moisture stress and the crop in this area is virtually lost.
The area under soybean cultivation in Maharashtra is satisfactory and higher than the government’s normal area of 28 LH. The crop in Latur division and Marathwada is under severe moisture stress and the productivity is likely to be adversely affected.
In Rajasthan, the area under soybean is likely to touch 10 LH, helped by late rains including recent rains and available irrigation facility.