Heavy Rains in Maharashtra Damage Soybean and Other Crops

06-Oct-2025 11:38 AM

Pune. Heavy rains and localized flooding in the Marathwada division of western Maharashtra during August-September had already caused significant damage to soybean and cotton, among other kharif crops.

Now, unseasonal rains over the past two seasons have further worsened the crop situation. Farmers in the districts of the Marathwada division are facing significant difficulties in preparing for harvesting the ripe soybean crop, and the rain is affecting the quality of the soybean grain.

Due to the extremely slow pace of harvesting, soybean arrivals in the division's major markets are significantly reduced.

Adverse weather and natural disasters have caused concern and stress not only to farmers but also to traders and millers.

Soybean fields have been flooded, which is likely to impact its quality. It is noteworthy that Maharashtra is the second largest producer of soybean in the country, after Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan is at third place.

This year, soybean sowing has been low in all three states, leading to a significant decline of approximately 5 lakh hectares in the total area under cultivation of this important oilseed at the national level.

There is no pressure on soybean supply in the markets of major producing regions, and the crop is also being damaged.

Due to the peak festive season, there is good demand for soybean in crushing and processing units. Markets are seeing imports of goods of average quality, and it is difficult to fetch high prices for light goods.

Farmers are facing significant difficulties in starting early sowing of Rabi crops, especially gram, due to waterlogging in the fields and hampering the harvesting of other Kharif crops, including soybean.

It is believed that prolonged waterlogging in the fields may also affect the pigeon pea (tuvar) crop. The monsoon has been unduly kind to Marathwada this year, causing Kharif crops there to face constant challenges.