SOPA’s Soybean Sowing Area Figures Exceed Government Estimates

23-Jul-2026 11:26 AM

Indore: According to the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA), a leading industry body, the total national soybean sowing area for the current Kharif season reached 111.08 lakh hectares by July 20, 2026. This figure surpasses the Union Ministry of Agriculture's estimate of 108.48 lakh hectares.

Interestingly, SOPA’s estimates for soybean sowing areas in Madhya Pradesh (51.38 lakh hectares), Rajasthan (8.55 lakh hectares), Telangana (1.36 lakh hectares), and Gujarat (2.49 lakh hectares) align closely with government figures. However, there are discrepancies regarding the sowing areas in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh.

According to SOPA, the soybean sowing area has reached 42.45 lakh hectares in Maharashtra, 3.56 lakh hectares in Karnataka, and 18,000 hectares in Chhattisgarh. In contrast, data released by the Union Ministry of Agriculture indicates the area to be 40.13 lakh hectares in Maharashtra, 3.33 lakh hectares in Karnataka, and 13,000 hectares in Chhattisgarh.

Soybean sowing has been carried out across 1.12 lakh hectares in other states of the country. The sowing process has now reached its final stage, meaning only limited further changes to the total acreage are likely.