The Hindu Business Line : Soyabean acreage seen rising 10 lakh ha

THE area under soyabean is likely to increase by at least 10 lakh hectares (lh) this kharif season as farmers are expected to switch over to the oilseeds on firm bean prices.

"Soyabean acreage will rise throughout the country and we expect it be at least 10 lakh hectares higher this year. One reason for the increase is that last year, farmers got a good price for soyabean. It will encourage more to take up its cultivation," said Mr Rajesh Agrawal, Chairman, Soyabean Processors Association of India.

According to Mr Sunil Mukhati, a grower near Indore, farmers in the Malwa region may opt for soyabean on a large scale.

"Most of the jowar farmers will shift to soyabean this season. Last year, the prices for jowar were not good, while soyabean prices were good. Also, there is an assured market for oilseeds," he told Business Line.

Dr G. Kaushal, Director, Agriculture, Madhya Pradesh, said the area under soyabean in the State, the soyabean hub in the country, would increase by at least five lh.

"Last year, soyabean was planted in over 45 lh. This time, it could be over 50 lh," he said.

According to SOPA, soybean was cultivated in 41.04 lh last year.

"Preparations have begun for kharif sowing, especially for soya," Dr Kaushal said.

"We are getting our fields ready for sowing by removing all weeds after wheat harvest," Mr Mukhati said.

According to Mr Agrawal, the rise in area under soyabean will not be confined to Madhya Pradesh alone. "Area under soyabean will rise in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka also," he said.

Last year, soyabean witnessed a rare phenomenon of a rise in both production and price. Soyabean prices have been ruling firm since the second half of last year on fall in global production.

Global production, especially in the US, has been hit due to hot weather. The crop in Brazil and Argentina has not matched expectations leading to flare-up of soyabean prices.

This has had its effect in the country with the farmers currently getting Rs 19,000-19,100 a tonne. The prices are expected to rule firm until kharif harvest in September-October.

The other reason for soyabean prices ruling firm in the country has been a sharp rise in demand for soyameal. Over 35 lakh tonnes of soyameal are expected to be exported this season (November 2004-September 2005) and a good production has ensured continuous supply of raw material.

Demand for soyameal from the country has increased this season as South-East Asian and Far-East nations have been buying heavily to meet feed requirements. Besides lower US bean production, higher freight charges have also forced them to look towards India to meet their needs.

"We hope the trend will continue next year also if we get good rains," Mr Agrawal said.

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