Soybean Acreage Steady Despite Shifts in Crop Choices, SOPA Survey Reveals
A recent survey by the Soybean Processors Association of India reveals that soybean acreage remains steady this year, with some regional shifts in crop preferences.
In a comprehensive survey conducted by the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) from July 10th to 16th, 2024, the soybean crop acreage across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan has shown stability compared to last year. The survey covered over 4500 kilometers, indicating that despite some shifts in crop preferences, the overall soybean acreage remains largely unchanged.
Key Findings from the Survey
The SOPA teams observed some regional shifts from soybean to other crops like maize and pulses. Conversely, there was also a noticeable shift towards soybean from other Kharif crops in certain areas. This dynamic has led to an overall balanced soybean cultivation area, dispelling earlier concerns about a significant reduction in soybean acreage.
State-wise Analysis of Soybean Cultivation
|
State |
Kharif 2023 |
Kharif 2024 |
||||||
|
Area in Lakh Ha. |
Yield Kg per Ha. |
Production Lakh MT |
Area in Lakh Ha. |
Difference over last Year (In %) |
||||
|
As per Govt. |
As per SOPA |
As per SOPA |
As per SOPA |
As per Govt. |
As per SOPA |
As per Govt. |
As per SOPA |
|
|
MADHYA PRADESH |
53.351 |
52.051 |
1008 |
52.467 |
52.340 |
51.294 |
-1.89 |
-1.45 |
|
MAHARASHTRA |
50.688 |
45.640 |
1028 |
46.918 |
47.698 |
47.608 |
-5.90 |
4.31 |
|
RAJASTHAN |
11.445 |
10.945 |
925 |
10.124 |
10.582 |
10.156 |
-7.54 |
-7.21 |
|
TELENGANA |
1.798 |
1.798 |
932 |
1.676 |
1.400 |
1.400 |
-22.14 |
-22.14 |
|
KARNATAKA |
4.077 |
4.077 |
950 |
3.873 |
4.260 |
4.260 |
4.49 |
4.49 |
|
CHATTISGADH |
0.354 |
0.354 |
879 |
0.311 |
0.260 |
0.260 |
-26.55 |
-26.55 |
|
GUJARAT |
2.663 |
2.663 |
934 |
2.487 |
2.559 |
2.559 |
-3.91 |
-3.91 |
|
OTHER STATES |
1.020 |
1.020 |
870 |
0.887 |
0.634 |
0.634 |
-37.84 |
-37.84 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
125.396 |
118.548 |
1002 |
118.744 |
119.733 |
118.172 |
-4.52 |
-0.32 |
Crop Health and Future Prospects
The survey also assessed the health of the soybean crops and found no major threats. However, SOPA cautions that it is still early in the season, and the crop's success will heavily depend on the progress of the monsoon, including rainfall distribution and temperature patterns in the coming months.
Despite fluctuations in crop preferences at the regional level, the soybean cultivation area has shown resilience and stability. This finding is crucial for stakeholders relying on soybean production, ensuring that supply levels will likely remain steady.
The coming months will be critical, as weather conditions will play a crucial role in determining the final yield and health of the soybean crops across these key states.
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