In its first production estimate for kharif 2017, the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) estimated India’s soyabean output at 91.45-lakh tonnes, which is about 17 per cent lower than the revised estimate for kharif 2016 at 109.92-lakh tonnes.

The fall in the acreage and reduced yield conditions has added to the decline in output. Soyabean acreage in the country stood at 101.5-lakh hectares, against 109.7-lakh hectares reported last year, down 7.5 per cent. For the current year, SOPA estimates yield at 901 kg per hectare, against 1,002 kg per hectare reported in 2016.

The acreage in Madhya Pradesh declined from 54-lakh hectares to 50-lakh hectares, with yield estimated to be lower at 905 kg per hectare against 1,020 kg per hectare reported last year. However, Madhya Pradesh will continue to be the largest soyabean producer with 45.35-lakh tonnes of estimated production for the current year.

According to SOPA officials, with huge carryover stocks of about 1.5-2-million tonnes in the State, availability of the seeds for the crushing industry will not be an issue. Even as the production estimates are lower, the prices are likely to remain under check due to huge carryover stocks.

Industry sources, however, maintained that due to large carryover stocks, the volatility in prices will be less even as the production estimates suggest lower crop.

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