The soybean plants are bearing pods, with grains visibly emerging in some of them. The meteorological conditions have been favourable thus far, a rare occurrence for many years. Based on the current circumstances, an anticipated yield of kg of soybean is expected this year, a significant improvement from the previous year when the standing crop suffered rain-induced damage, yielding only 125 quintals.
The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA), the torchbearer of the soybean industry, recently conducted a survey of soybean crops in the primary soybean-producing states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan from August 20th to 28th. In this survey, SOPA noted that the harvest is in the pod formation to the pod-filling stage, with early maturing varieties already in the grain-filling stage. The crop condition remains normal, aided by the recent rains, and weed growth is under control.
Inadequate rainfall
The Chairman of the Central Organization for Oil Industry and Trade (KUIT) emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the current soybean production. While hopes are high for increased sowing and harvesting, the stark reality is that production has fallen short for the past three years due to inadequate rainfall. The imminent concern is the acute need for water at this crucial soybean growth stage. Without timely rain in the coming days, the soybean crop faces the dire prospect of withering away, potentially shattering expectations of a robust yield this year.
SOPA’s data underscores an alarming decline in rainfall for August, adding to the urgency of rain in soybean-producing regions. A delayed monsoon could have detrimental consequences for soybean crops nationwide, as moisture deficits resulting from insufficient rainfall may offset favourable conditions and ultimately hamper productivity.
While it remains premature to make production predictions, this year’s soybean crop’s fate hinges entirely on the impending monsoon’s behavior.