Soyabean Acreage May Drop 5% as Farmers Shift to Maize and Pigeon Pea: SOPA Early Estimate

01-Jul-2025 08:58 AM

Soyabean Acreage May Drop 5% as Farmers Shift to Maize and Pigeon Pea: SOPA Early Estimate
★ Soyabean acreage is likely to decline by around 5% this kharif season, as farmers shift to alternative crops like maize, pigeon pea , and cotton due to poor price realization over the past two years.
★ According to the Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA), soyabean was sown on 117.48 lakh hectares last year, while as of June 30 this year, sowing has been completed on only 42.98 lakh hectares. Final figures will be clearer once sowing is completed.
★ For the 2025 kharif season, the government has announced a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs. 5,328 per quintal for soyabean, an increase of Rs. 436 from last year.
★ However, current mandi prices range between Rs. 3,800 and Rs. 4,350 per quintal, which is significantly below the MSP.
★ SOPA estimates soyabean production in kharif 2024 at around 125 lakh tonnes.
★ Sowing across the country is expected to be completed by July 15.