★ According to a rapid survey conducted by the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) as of June 30, 2026, soybean sowing for the Kharif 2026 season has progressed significantly ahead of the official government figures. SOPA estimates that soybean has been sown over 28.92 lakh hectares, compared with the government's reported 6.92 lakh hectares. According to SOPA, the difference is primarily due to a 7–10 day lag in the reporting of official sowing data.

★ State-wise estimates show substantial differences between SOPA and government figures. In Madhya Pradesh, the government has reported soybean sowing over 4.30 lakh hectares, while SOPA estimates the area at 15.56 lakh hectares. In Maharashtra, SOPA estimates 8.45 lakh hectares compared with the government's 1.19 lakh hectares. Rajasthan is estimated at 3.50 lakh hectares against the official 0.63 lakh hectares, Telangana at 0.247 lakh hectares versus 0.15 lakh hectares, and Gujarat at 0.856 lakh hectares compared with 0.154 lakh hectares. The gap between the two estimates is relatively smaller in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh.

★ SOPA said that the delayed onset of the southwest monsoon postponed soybean sowing compared with last year. However, widespread rainfall across most parts of Madhya Pradesh has accelerated field operations, and the association expects sowing across the state to be completed by July 15.

★ In Maharashtra, sowing has been slower due to inadequate soil moisture. Progress varies considerably across districts, with 40–50% of the intended area covered in some districts, while only 5–10% has been sown in others. Further progress will depend on adequate rainfall over the coming days.

★ In Rajasthan, soybean sowing has covered around 35–40% of the targeted area. Sowing is also progressing satisfactorily across other major soybean-producing states.

★ Overall, SOPA expects soybean acreage this year to exceed last year's level. Many farmers who shifted to maize during the previous season have returned to soybean cultivation this year, encouraged by favourable soybean prices. However, the final crop size and production will largely depend on the distribution of rainfall during the next three months.