Soybean – Decline in Sowing Recorded
15-Sep-2025 02:33 PM
Soybean – Decline in Sowing Recorded
★ According to data received from the Ministry of Agriculture and state agriculture departments, as of September 12, 2025, soybean sowing across the country stood at 120.43 lakh hectares, compared to 126.24 lakh hectares during the same period last year. This indicates a decline of 5.81 lakh hectares.
State-wise situation
★ In Gujarat, soybean sowing stood at 2.77 lakh hectares, down by 0.22 lakh hectares from last year.
★ In Karnataka, sowing was 4.20 lakh hectares, the same as last year.
★ In Maharashtra, sowing was recorded at 49.65 lakh hectares, which is 1.69 lakh hectares less than last year.
★ In Rajasthan, sowing was 9.79 lakh hectares, showing a decline of 1.00 lakh hectares.
★ In Telangana, sowing was 1.46 lakh hectares, 0.08 lakh hectares less than last year.
★ In Madhya Pradesh, sowing stood at 51.20 lakh hectares, 2.68 lakh hectares less compared to last year.
★ Overall, in the major states, soybean sowing this year was recorded at 119.07 lakh hectares, while last year it was 124.74 lakh hectares, indicating a fall of 5.67 lakh hectares.
★ Due to weak prices throughout the year, farmers shifted towards other crops.
★ In Maharashtra and Karnataka, crops suffered damage due to waterlogging.
★ Compared to other Kharif crops, soybean has better tolerance against water, pests, and diseases.
★ On one hand, soybean oil imports are increasing, while on the other hand, domestic and export demand for soybean meal remains weak.
★ Rising consumption of DDGS is reducing the demand not only for soybean meal but also for mustard cake, wheat bran, and cottonseed meal, and this trend is expected to continue.
★ To protect the industry, the government needs to take immediate action; otherwise, the sown area may decline again in the next season.
★ With low crushing demand, significant price rallies are unlikely.
★ However, government procurement is expected to be large again this time, which could provide slight support to prices.