International Journal of Agricultural

Science and Research (IJASR)

ISSN (P): 2250-0057; ISSN (E): 2321-0087
Vol. 12, Issue 1, Jun 2022, 97–108
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

INDIAN SOYBEAN: THE WONDERCROP

DR. JOLLY MASIH1, DR. ANIL BAJPAI2 & DAMANDEEP KAUR3

1
Associate Prof., Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research
2
Chief Operating Officer and Director at Prestige University Project
3
Senior Data Scientist., Dada Analtix Pvt Ltd
ABSTRACT

Since independence, India has achieved high production standards in pulses and sugarcane, which has helped in
reducing the dependency on foreign imports. Such self- sufficiency in domestic production of local Indian varieties of
oilseeds such as Soybean is need of an hour to safeguard the interest of Indian farmers, processors and to ensure better
nutrition status of Indian citizens. In the last ten years, the yield and productivity of most oilseed crops has decreased by
10-30%, prompting anxiety about the quickly changing situation. This situation could end up posing a major threat to
national health and food security. In the case of soybeans, the average area harvested has increased by 12% during 2010-
11. However, production and productivity have both decreased by 7% and 31%, respectively. Soybean oil production is
expected to decrease in 2021, according to a trend analysis of edible oil. Last year, the effect of the Covid-19 epidemic,
inadequate rains, and unfavourable weather conditions resulted in a loss of soybean seed output and a reduction in
soybean oil extraction, resulting in a gap. However, due to its numerous health benefits and high nutritional content,

Original Article
soybean oil demand in national and worldwide markets continues to expand dramatically year after year. Non-GMO
Soybean is now attracting a lot of attention owing to growing consumer dissent against GM Soybean. The rising
consumer awareness regarding labelling regulations and the quality of products is expected to drive market demand over
the forecast period. Premiums for non-GMO soybeans have likewise witnessed exponential growth rates, implying that the
market will expand rapidly. Madhya Pradesh is renowned as India's "Soybean State," accounting for 55 per cent of the
country's total soybean farming area. Government involvement is urgently needed to protect the interests of soybean
growers and processors. It could only be done by promoting non-GMO Indian soybeans on national and international
markets, decreasing soymeal imports (to encourage indigenous soybean processors), and raising import tariffs on soymeal
and soy oil to help local processors and industries.

KEYWORDS: Soybean, Production, Non-GMO Soybean, Food security

Received: Feb 01, 2022; Accepted: Feb 21, 2022; Published: Feb 26, 2022; Paper Id.: IJASRJUN202210

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1. Series of Food Revolution to Make ‘Atmanirbhar’ for Food
Since independence, India has achieved self-sufficiency in major food grains including wheat and rice through the
Green Revolution in 1960s. The league was then followed by White Revolution (1970s) for milk and dairy and
Yellow Revolution (1980s) for oilseeds. India has also achieved high production standards in pulses and sugarcane,
which has helped in reducing the dependency on foreign imports (see Figure 1). Such self- sufficiency in domestic
production of local Indian varieties of oilseeds such as Soybean is need of an hour to safeguard the interest of
Indian farmers, processors and to ensure better nutrition status of Indian citizens.

www.tjprc.org [email protected]
98 Dr. Jolly Masih, Dr. Anil Bajpai, & Damandeep Kaur

Figure 1: Major Agriculture Revolutions in India

Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- ICAR Indi

1.2. Food Grains & Dairy were Key to India’s Economic Prosperity

A detailed trend analysis of major food grains including wheat, rice and dairy have shown that since Independence, India
have gradually increased the production capacity and productivity of major agricultural commodities, which has led to
reduction in foreign imports. Gradually, India also started export of wheat, rice and dairy in other countries of the world.
Hence high production and improved productivity level has laid to the path of economic prosperity for the Indian farmers
(see Fig 2). However, prosperity driven enhanced consumption has led to lack of self-sufficiency in production yet to be
attained for oilseeds. India is still hugely dependent on foreign imports to fulfil the domestic demand of oil consumption.
It has also been seen that the edible oils been imported, does not guarantee the high-quality standards and higher nutrition
levels. The lack of protein is made up by excessive intake of carbohydrates and low quality imported edible oil from
foreign countries.

Impact Factor (JCC): 9.1583 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Indian Soybean: The Wondercrop
REVOLTION IN MAJOR FOOD GRAINS & DAIRY PRODUCTS IN INDIA POST INDEPENDANCE 99

WHEAT: PRODUCTION, GROWTH, IMPORTS & EXPORTS

RICE: PRODUCTION, GROWTH, IMPORTS & EXPORTS

MILK PRODUCTION & GROWTH

Figure 2: Attainment of Self-Sufficiency in Major

Source: United States Grains & of
Department Dairy Products in India Post-Independence
Agriculture
Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- USDA

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the world's most important and rapidly expanding oil-bearing crops. Soybean area and
production expanded at an annual rate of 2.65% and 4%, respectively, between 1980 and 2013, outpacing the growth in

www.tjprc.org [email protected]
100 Dr. Jolly Masih, Dr. Anil Bajpai, & Damandeep Kaur

area and production of most other food crops (calculated by authors from FAO database) [1].

Soybeans cover 37.4 percent of the world's oilseed land and account for 28% of all vegetable oil production.
Soybean, a high-value nutritive crop, is important in addressing food and nutritional insecurity, particularly in
developing nations. Soybean, a little-known crop until the early 1970s, has risen to prominence in India as an
important oilseed crop. Soybean, which is high in protein and edible oil, is now widely recognized as a possible
additional source of edible oil and nutritious food all over the world. During the Triennium average Ending (TE)
2012- 13, soybean accounted for 55.6 percent of area under kharif oilseeds and 38 percent of area under total
oilseeds in the country. During the comparable period, the crop accounts for 62.5 percent of kharif oilseed output
and 47 percent of total oilseed production in the country, as well as 28.6 percent of total vegetable oils and two-
thirds of oil meal supplies [2].

Despite being a dominant oilseed crop, yields are significantly below potential and have nearly stagnated in the
country at roughly 10-11 qt/ha. In light of the crop's expanding importance, this study attempts to comprehend the
growth pattern of soybean yield through time, varietal and yield improvement initiatives, and the resulting impact
on socioeconomic development. Soybean productivity in the country was 425 kg/ha in 1970-71, rising to 766
kg/ha in TE 1980-81, and 1297 kg/ha in TE 2012-13, nearly tripling from the previous years. Andhra Pradesh had
the highest soybean productivity in the TE 2012-13, with 1719 kg/ha, up from 954 kg/ha in the previous TE 2000-
01. Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand were the other states with higher productivity. When comparing TE
1990 to TE 2000, soybean yield levels in places like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat had decreased
[3].

Overall, soybean productivity was increasing, and the rate of yield growth was picking up, thanks to the joint
efforts of research, extension, and farmers across the country. In the year 2012-13, the greatest soybean
productivity in the country was 1353 kg/ha. From 1980-81 to 2012-13, soybean yields climbed at an annual rate
of 1.8 percent per year, with a slower rate of growth in the early decades before picking up in the latter decades.
For both researchers and policymakers, temporal changes in crop area and output, as well as variability in crop
yield, are key concerns. Soybean yield insecurity was found to be higher in all major soybean-growing states
(ranging from 21 to 66%), as well as in India (about 19 per cent). In all soybean-growing states, the trend in
soybean yield instability has increased throughout the decades. Because the crop is primarily grown under rain fed
circumstances, this could be related to erratic rainfall patterns [4].

The increasing variability in soybean acreage, productivity, and yield is a major source of concern for
policymakers [5]. Because of the considerable fall in production levels found in atypical monsoon years, research
and extension efforts should be directed toward limiting the influence of abnormal weather circumstances on
soybean yield [6]. For both researchers and policymakers, temporal changes in crop area and output, as well as
variability in crop yield, are key concerns. Soybean yield insecurity was found to be higher in all major soybean-
growing states (ranging from 21 to 66%), as well as in India (about 19 per cent). In all soybean-growing states, the
trend in soybean yield instability has increased throughout the decades. This could be attributed to erratic rainfall
patterns, as the crop is primarily cultivated in wetland environments. The increasing variability in soybean
acreage, productivity, and yield is a major source of concern for policymakers [7].

Impact Factor (JCC): 9.1583 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Indian Soybean: The Wondercrop 101

3 OUTLOOK OF MAJOR OILSEED CROPS IN INDIA

3.1 General Scenario of Oilseed Crops
Major oilseed crops in India basically includes Soya bean, Rapeseed & Mustard, Groundnut, Sesame and Cottonseed.
Some minor oilseed crops are Castor seed, Niger seed, Linseed, Safflower and Sunflower. The analysis has shown that in
last 10 years the production (in thousand Metric Ton/000 MT.) and area harvested (in thousand Hectare/000 Ha.) has
increased just a bit when compared to production growth rates of other food grain. Since year 2010-11 only a slight
increment of 10-12% on an average area harvested has been seen in production of most of oilseed crops. However, the
production and productivity of most of the oilseed crops have reduced between 10-30% in past 10 years, raising an
alarming concern towards rapidly changing scenario. This situation might pose a serious threat to National Health and
Nutrition Security (see Fig 3).

Specifically talking about Soybean, the average area harvested since year 2010-11 has increased by 12%. However,
production and productivity has reduced by 7% & 31% respectively. Major causes of this reduction are lack of processing
facilities for Soybean growing farmers, increase in foreign imports, lack of recognition to Non-GMO Indian Soybean at
National and International level.

Area Harvested in '000 Ha.

2019-2020 2018-2019 2017-2018 2016-2017 2015-2016 2014-2015 2013-2014 2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011
Groundnut 4825.2 4730.76 4887.7 5338.04 4596.3 4768.65 5504.91 4721.03 5263.74 5856.15
Castorseed 1046.29 751.32 824.13 807.92 1060.73 1089.32 1063.2 1233.59 1470.88 880.34
Nigerseed 136.24 156.46 218.48 256.41 251.67 232.13 298.74 310.41 364.4 371.04
Sesamum 1622.6 1419.97 1579.77 1666.93 1950.88 1746.06 1678.9 1705.76 1901.55 2083.2

Rapeseed & Mustard 6856.27 6123.93 5977.16 6073.82 5745.52 5799.08 6645.74 6362.59 5893.52 6900.48
Linseed 179.9 172.71 326.18 325.22 262.86 285.47 293.07 296.27 322.64 359.23
Safflower 51.79 45.89 82.15 144.27 127.5 174.94 177.73 183.51 250.41 243.85
Sunflower 228.28 262.01 283.51 381.11 486.79 589.76 671.5 830.51 731.86 928.98
Soyabean 12192.71 11131.26 10328.83 11183.4 11604.54 10910.83 11716.43 10840.73 10109.09 9601.04
Cottonseed 13477 12614 12586 10826.4 12292 12819 11960 11977 12178 11235

Production in '000 MT.

2019-2020 2018-2019 2017-2018 2016-2017 2015-2016 2014-2015 2013-2014 2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011
Groundnut 9952.02 6727.18 9252.57 7461.53 6733.33 7401.71 9713.9 4693.88 6963.7 8265.78
Castorseed 1842.02 1196.68 1567.56 1376.42 1751.82 1869.99 1726.55 1963.47 2294.93 1350.32
Nigerseed 41.32 45.42 70.19 85.14 74.27 76.17 97.84 100.83 98.08 107.71
Sesamum 657.5 689.31 755.43 747.03 850.07 827.83 714.58 685.02 810.27 893

Rapeseed & Mustard 9123.64 9255.66 8429.85 7917.23 6796.72 6282.44 7876.65 8028.93 6603.71 8178.71
Linseed 120.66 99.07 173.76 184.25 125.49 154.57 141.73 148.59 152.46 146.54
Safflower 43.67 24.64 55.28 93.9 52.99 90.12 113.37 108.51 145.33 150.43
Sunflower 212.53 216.29 221.66 251.38 296.3 434.2 503.94 544.08 516.64 651.06
Soyabean 11225.85 13267.52 10932.97 13158.73 8569.79 10373.8 11860.84 14666.45 12213.51 12733.7
Cottonseed 36065 28042 32805 32577.41 30005 34805 35902 34220 35200 33000

Productivity in Kg./Ha.
2019-2020 2018-2019 2017-2018 2016-2017 2015-2016 2014-2015 2013-2014 2012-2013 2011-2012 2010-2011
Groundnut 2063 1422 1893 1398 1465 1552 1765 994 1323 1411
Castorseed 1761 1593 1902 1704 1652 1717 1624 1592 1560 1534
Nigerseed 303 290 321 332 295 328 328 325 269 290
Sesamum 405 485 478 448 436 474 426 402 426 429

Rapeseed & Mustard 1331 1511 1410 1304 1183 1083 1185 1262 1121 1185
Linseed 671 574 533 567 477 541 484 502 473 408
Safflower 843 537 673 651 416 515 638 591 580 617
Sunflower 931 826 782 660 609 736 750 655 706 701
Soyabean 921 1192 1058 1177 738 951 1012 1353 1208 1326
Cottonseed 455 378 443 512 415 462 510 486 491 499

Figure 3: Area, Production & Productivity of Major Oilseed Crops in India

Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- SOPA DATA BANK, USDA

www.tjprc.org [email protected]
102 Dr. Jolly Masih, Dr. Anil Bajpai, & Damandeep Kaur

3.2 Trend Analysis of Major Oilseed Crops

Trend analysis of edible oil has shown that production of Soybean oil has been reduced in year 2021. This gap has been
created due to the effect of Covid-19 pandemic, poor rains and bad weather conditions last year, leading to loss of
production of Soybean seed and lesser extraction of Soybean oil. However, the demand of Soybean oil in national and
international markets continues to rise exponentially year after year, due to its multiple health benefits and high nutrition
value (see Fig 4).

IN DIA - IMPORT OF EDIB LE OIL IN METRIC TON ES

RBD Palmolein Crude Palm Oil Sun flower Rape Oil Soybean Oil Crude Palm Ker. Oil

8000000
6000000
4000000
2000000
0
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

IN DIA - PRODUC TION OF OILSEEDS IN 1000 MT

Soybean Oil Sunflower Oil Palm Oil Rapeseed Oil

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

IN DIA - DOMESTIC CON SUMPTION OF OILSEEDS IN

1000 MT
Soybean Oil Sunflower Oil Palm Oil Rapeseed Oil

10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

INDIA-EXPORT OF EDIBLE OIL IN IN 1000 MT

Soybean Oil Sunflower Oil Palm Oil Rapeseed Oil

20

15

10

0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Figure 4: Trend Analysis of Edible Oil Produced from Oilseed Crops

Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- SOPA DATA BANK, USDA

Trend analysis of meal cakes has shown that import of Soybean meal cakes (after the bean has been crushed) has
increased tremendously since year 2019-2020. Some part of meal imported last year was basically GMO in nature and its
health implications or side effects on animal and poultry health are still unknown. The domestic consumption of Soybean
meal cakes also increased at faster pace of 10.59 % since last year due to its huge demand in poultry segment. However,
the rate of meal production has only increased by 5.31 % since last year, which indicates requirement to more soybean
processing units, to fulfil the growing domestic demand (see Figure 5).

Impact Factor (JCC): 9.1583 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Indian Soybean: The Wondercrop 103

INDIA -IMPORT OF MEAL IN 1000 MT

Soybean Meal Sunflower Meal Palm Kernel Meal Rapeseed Meal

1000

800

600

400

200

0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

INDIA -PRODUCTION OF MEAL IN 1000 MT

Soybean Meal Sunflower Meal Palm Kernel Meal Rapeseed Meal

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

I N D I A - D O M EST I C CO N S U M P T I O N O F M EA L I N 1 0 0 0 M T
Soybean Meal Sunflower Meal Palm Kernel Meal Rapeseed Meal

7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

INDIA -EXPORT OF MEAL IN 1000 MT

Soybean Meal Sunflower Meal Palm Kernel Meal Rapeseed Meal

7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Figure 5: Trend Analysis of Meal Cakes Produced from Oilseed Crops

Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- SOPA DATA BANK, USDA

4 SPECIAL FOCUS ON NON-GMO SOYBEAN: A HOPE OF INDIAN FARMERS FOR A

PROSPEROUS FUTURE
4.1 Soybean: Origin and Applications
Soybean (Glycine max), otherwise known as a ‘miracle crop’ or ‘wonder crop’ with over 40% protein and 20% oil,
originated in China. It was introduced to India centuries ago through the Himalayan routes by traders from Indonesia. To
deal with the country’s perennial protein malnutrition due to the stagnant pulse production, dedicated efforts were initiated
in the mid-1960s by the G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar (Uttaranchal) and the
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), in collaboration with the University of Illinois,

www.tjprc.org [email protected]
104 Dr. Jolly Masih, Dr. Anil Bajpai, & Damandeep Kaur

USA to popularize soybean cultivation in India. Through the well-coordinated efforts, soybean has now become an
important crop in India.

Soybean is an excellent source of high-quality protein, is low content in saturated fat, contains dietary fibre and its
is oflavone content makes it best among other legumes. Soybean protein helps in prevention against cardiovascular disease,
osteoporosis, cancers, endometrium, and prostate. It is considered as the replacement of animal-based foods, in order to
obtain some nutritional benefits. It is found in many foods including milk, tofu, and processed foods like soybean oil, soya-
breads and cereals. Soy is most commonly eaten as a plant protein as it has all the amino acids that act as the building
blocks of protein. It is also considered a good source of calcium, fibre, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and
polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6. In addition to whole foods, soy is available in supplement form including
health drink, tablets and powders (see Figure 6).

Figure 6: Non-GMO Soybean: A Wonder Crop

Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- USDA, https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/, U.S.
Soybean Export Council

Impact Factor (JCC): 9.1583 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Indian Soybean: The Wondercrop 105

4.2 Global Non-GMO Soybean Market

The Global Non-GMO Soybean market is expected to rise at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.30% from
2018 to 2022 (as investigated by verifiedmarketresearch). According to Verified Market Research, the Global Non-GMO
Soybean Market was valued at 73.07 Million Metric Tons in 2018 and is projected to reach 99.80 Million Metric Tons by
2022. Soybeans serve a variety of functions in the global food chain, ranging from use as edible oil to a source of protein
for humans to use in livestock feed. Globally, approximately 87 percent of all soybean production is crushed into soy meal
and soy oil, with the remaining 13 percent used for direct human consumption. From the soybean crushing process,
roughly 80 per cent is extracted as soy meal for use in animal feed and 20 per cent is extracted as oil for human
consumption and as a biofuel feedstock.

GMO is an acronym that stands for genetically modified organisms. A GMO is a food product that has been
changed in some way on the genetic level. Most developed nations do not consider GMOs to be safe. In more than 60
countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant
restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GMOs. There are many health and environmental risks with
genetically modified (GM) Soybean. As a result of these risks, worldwide people are demanding non-genetically modified
(NON-GMO) Soybean. Asia-Pacific is the largest market, with a share about 55%, followed by Europe, and North
America, both have a share over 35 percent. In terms of product, Plain Non-GM Soybeans is the largest segment, with a
share over 45%. In terms of application, the largest application is Human Consumption, followed by Animal Feed, etc.
According to GII Research Agency, the global Non-GMO Soybean market is valued at US$ 53040 million in 2020. The
market size will reach US$ 69110 million by the end of 2027, growing at a CAGR of 2.5% during 2021-2027.

The United States, which is the world’s second-leading soybean producer, is now the biggest importer of India’s
non-GMO soybean meal. Indian soymeal is given priority in the U.S. since it needs non-GM soybean. Hardly five percent
of the soybean crop in the U.S. is non-GMO, and those who want non-GMO soy products there have to pay a premium.
That way, the Indian soymeal is competitive. India is the largest importer of soybean oil in the world. An expected tighter
supply has also forced India, that usually exports soymeal, to import in year 2021. For year 2021-22, India's soybean oil
imports are projected at about 3.3 million MT. India's marketing year for edible oil trade runs from November through
October. Over the past few years, India's soybean oil imports have seen a gradual increase on account of rising domestic
soybean production. Apart from the likely increase in soybean oil imports, India's soymeal sector could also face trade
challenges.

Recently, the Indian government has allowed import of about 1.2 million MT of genetically modified soymeal for
poultry consumption due to existing supply shortfall. India, that usually exports soymeal, has turned to imports amid
soaring prices. Trade experts believe that the lower soybean crop production and high international prices of soybeans
would result in India importing soybean meal in the next few years as well.

Non-GMO Soybean is now attracting a lot of attention owing to growing consumer dissent against GM Soybean.
The rising consumer awareness regarding labelling regulations and the quality of products is expected to drive market
demand over the forecast period. The premiums for non-GMO soybean have also seen exponential growth rates owing to
which the market is expected to grow at a rapid pace.

Major Factors Influencing the Non-GMO Soybean Market (see Figure 7) are mentioned below:

www.tjprc.org [email protected]
106 Dr. Jolly Masih, Dr. Anil Bajpai, & Damandeep Kaur

Favourable Regulations and consumer Sentiment Regarding Non-GMO Soybean

Regulations play an important role in driving market demand for non-GMO soybean. The introduction of GMO Soybean
brought about a revolution in the market owing to which regulatory agencies brought about regulations to ensure that these
products cause no harm to human health. Although the adoption of GMO Soybean is increasing, the growing consumer
dissent regarding the side effects of GMO crops is expected to have a positive impact on market demand for non-GMO
soybean.

Involvement of Small Scale Suppliers

Soybean cultivation is increasing gradually and the high margins offered by the soybean products have attracted a large
number of industry participants. Few farmers who were previously focused on soybean cultivation are now turning towards
soybean processing to manufacture products such as soybean meal, soybean oil, and livestock feed.

GMO labelling

The demand for non-GMO protein, in particular, is moving on an upward spiral, as it encompasses overarching trends such
as clean label (without GMO residue), plant-based protein, and sustainability. Moreover, aversion of consumers to artificial
products is emerging as a key growth factor for the non-GMO soy protein market.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE NON-GMO SOYBEAN

MARKET

 Favourable Regulations and consumer sentiment regarding non-GMO

Soybean

 Involvement of small-scale suppliers

 Rising consumer awareness regarding labelling regulations

 Better quality of products

 Growing consumer dissent regarding the side effects of GMO crops

 Large variety of soybeans permits soyfoods

GROWING POPULARITY OF NON-GMO SOYBEAN

 USA is largest producer of GMO soybean, but ironically the consumption

of Non-GMO soybean is increasing tremendously there and in other
parts of worlds.
 Non-GMO growers’ food-grade acres have been increasing by an
average of 4.8 percent each year.
 Non-GMO soybean yields have also increased by approximately 2.8
percent annually.

Figure 7: Global Trend Analysis of Non-GMO Soybean

Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- USDA, https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/, U.S.
Soybean Export Council

Impact Factor (JCC): 9.1583 NAAS Rating: 4.13

Indian Soybean: The Wondercrop 107

5 MADHYA PRADESH STRIVING TO MAINTAIN IT’S SUPREMACY IN NATIONAL AND

INTERNATIONAL SOYBEAN MARKETS

Madhya Pradesh is known as the “Soybean State” of India, comprising 55% of the total national area of soybean
cultivation. The Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is one of best regions for growing Soybean due its soil and climatic
conditions. Crop could grow well in the region’s black cotton soil and didn’t require much effort. Between 2002-03 and
2013-14, the value of soya-meal shipments from India soared from just over Rs 1,360 crore to almost Rs 14,500 crore. As
the fortunes of the industry rose — realisations from oil, too, went up — so did that of soyabean growers in Malwa and the
neighbouring regions of MP. During this period, the average price of soyabean in Indore market climbed from Rs 1,353 to
Rs 3,667 per quintal.That boom collapsed after 2013-14, along with a crash in global agri-commodity prices.In 2021,
Soyabean prices have crashed by close to 50% within a month in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the top soyabean
producing states of the country leading to farmers’ protests across the soyabean growing states.After a historical high of Rs
95/kg, prices have crashed to Rs 60-55/kg, depending upon the quality. India allowed import of 12 lakh tonnes of
genetically modified soyameal in August, which led to fall in prices of soyabean at a time when farmers have started
harvesting the kharif crop.The country’s poultry industry had demanded import of 1.2 million tonnes of genetically
modified soyameal, as the historically-high prices had increased costs for poultry farmers and forced some out of business.

Sowing Area of Soybean Seed (in Lakh Ha)

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Rajasthan 9.245 9.212 9.627 11.002 9.253
Madhya Pradesh 50.1 54.099 51.952 58.541 55.687
Maharashtra 34.484 36.39 37.365 40.398 43.848

Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra

Poly. (Rajasthan) Poly. (Madhya Pradesh) Poly. (Maharashtra)

Estimated Production of Soybean Seed (in Lakh MT)

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Rajasthan 7.499 8.946 6.56 8.585 7.046
Madhya Pradesh 42.001 58.18 40.107 41.774 52.292
Maharashtra 29.003 34.343 39.415 45.446 48.325

Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra

Poly. (Rajasthan) Poly. (Madhya Pradesh) Poly. (Maharashtra)

Expected Yield of Soybean Seed (in Kg Per Ha.)

1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Rajasthan 811 971 681 780 761
Madhya Pradesh 838 1075 772 714 939
Maharashtra 841 944 1055 1125 1102

Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra

Poly. (Rajasthan) Poly. (Madhya Pradesh) Poly. (Maharashtra)

Figure 8: Scenario Analysis of Soybean in Top 3 Producing States

Source: Author’s self-created visuals, Data Source- SOPA DATA BANK

www.tjprc.org [email protected]
108 Dr. Jolly Masih, Dr. Anil Bajpai, & Damandeep Kaur

According to India's ministry of agriculture, planted area under soybean was at 12.2 million hectares in 2021-22,
slightly higher than 12.1 million hectares in 2020-21.However, the area in Madhya Pradesh, India's primary soybean
growing state, the planted area was nearly 5% lower on the year at 5.6 million hectares (See Fig 8). Madhya Pradesh
usually produces 6.5 million MT of soybeans in a year. Gradually farmers are shifting towards other oilseed crops.

There is an urgent need of government intervention to safeguard the interest of Soybean growing farmers and
soybean processors. It could be only done by promoting the Non-GMO Indian Soybean in national and international
markets, reducing the imports of soymeal (to motivate indigenous soybean processors) and increasing the import duties on
soymeal and soyoil to boost the local processors and industries.

CONCLUSIONS

Government involvement is urgently needed to protect the interests of soybean growers and processors. It could only be
done by promoting non-GMO Indian soybeans in national and international markets, lowering soymeal imports (to
encourage indigenous soybean processors), and raising import tariffs on soymeal and soyoil to help local processors and
industries.

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