IGI Logo

The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) expects a 5% decline in soyabean acreage this kharif season as farmers shift to maize, pigeon pea, and cotton due to poor price realization over the past two years. Despite the timely monsoon, poor germination in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra has forced re-sowing. As of June 30, sowing has covered 42.98 lakh hectares against last year’s 117.48 lh total. The government has raised the MSP for soyabean to Rs.5,328 per quintal for 2025, yet current market prices remain lower, ranging between Rs.3,800–4,350 per quintal in major mandis.

Key Highlights

* SOPA expects soyabean area to drop by 5% this kharif.

* Farmers are shifting to maize, pigeon pea, and cotton.

* Poor germination reported in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

* Current soyabean prices below new MSP of ?5,328/quintal.

* Sowing likely to complete across India by July 15.

Soyabean prices continue to struggle as farmers lose confidence in the oilseed due to poor market performance over the last two seasons. The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) estimates that the acreage under soyabean will drop by about 5% this kharif season. Many farmers are opting to diversify into maize, pigeon pea (arhar) and cotton instead, hoping for better returns amid persistently weak soyabean prices.

Currently, soyabean prices are ruling well below the new minimum support price (MSP) of Rs.5,328 per quintal, announced for the 2025 kharif season — an increase of Rs.436 from last year. However, the modal prices in Madhya Pradesh, the largest soyabean producer, are hovering between Rs.3,800 and Rs.4,350 per quintal, offering little relief to growers. Last year, India produced about 125 lakh tonnes of soyabean with an average yield of 1,064 kg per hectare.

Timely monsoon rains have supported sowing progress in major States like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Telangana. As of June 30, sowing has covered about 42.98 lakh hectares, but re-sowing is required in some regions due to poor germination, especially in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Last year, the total area was about 117.48 lakh hectares.

SOPA expects sowing to be completed across the country by July 15. While the MSP hike aims to boost farmer sentiment, prevailing mandi prices suggest soyabean farmers may continue facing price pressure if market rates don’t align with the support price.

In conclusion, without sustained price recovery and yield stability, soyabean growers may continue shifting to alternative crops for better returns.

Above views are of the author and not of the website kindly read disclaimer