India’s crucial soybean crop is expected to face a decline in acreage during the current kharif cropping season in major soybean-growing states. While Rajasthan and Gujarat have experienced an increase in acreage due to early rains brought by Cyclone Biparjoy, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are expected to show a decrease in soybean planting.
Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh Witness Decline in Soybean Acreage
As soybean planting progresses and nears completion by mid-July, the total acreage of soybeans in India has recorded an 18% drop compared to the same period last year. Maharashtra, in particular, has witnessed a significant decline, with only 1.1 million hectares of soybeans planted, marking a 58% decrease from the previous year. Factors such as deficient rainfall and farmers shifting to pulses and cotton cultivation contribute to this decline.
Madhya Pradesh is the leading soybean-producing state. It has reported a slightly lower acreage this year at 37 lakh hectares compared to 38.65 lakh hectares last year. Similarly, Karnataka has seen a decrease in soybean acreage, going from 0.33 million hectares to 0.26 million hectares this year due to insufficient rainfall.
Rajasthan and Gujarat Observe Increase in Soybean Acreage
In contrast, Rajasthan has witnessed a significant increase in soybean acreage, with 1.44 million hectares planted this year, reflecting a growth of approximately 50% from the previous year. Gujarat has also seen an expansion, with 2.01 million hectares planted compared to 1.35 million hectares last year.
Expectations, Forecasts and Estimates from Industry Experts
D.N. Pathak, the Executive Director of the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA), predicts a 2-3% decrease in total soybean acreage compared to last year’s 11.3 million hectares by July 15, when planting is expected to be completed. Despite the anticipated drop in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pathak foresees gains in Gujarat and Rajasthan as farmers prioritize cotton and pulses like tur.
During the 2022 kharif season, SOPA had estimated soybean production to reach 124.11 million tonnes, surpassing the previous year’s 118.89 million tonnes. In the second advance estimate, the Indian government projected soybean output at 139.75 million tonnes.
Overall, soybean production is still expected to surpass the previous year’s output.
Though key Indian states are witnessing a decline in soybean acreage this season, other states have taken charge and experienced notable increases. It can be said that the sentiment of soybean is looking strong enough.