13 September 2024, Bhopal: While Madhya Pradesh remains the leading state in soybean production in India, data reveals that the area under cultivation and the production of soybean in the state have been unstable over the past few years. The Malwa region of the state, encompassing districts like Bhopal, Guna, Raisen, Sagar, Vidisha, Dewas, Sehore, Ujjain, Shajapur, Indore, Ratlam, Dhar, Jhabua, Mandsaur, Rajgarh, and Neemuch, is well known for soybean farming.
Farmers attribute the decline in soybean cultivation to the changing climate, which has severely impacted crop yields. They report either excessive rainfall in short intervals or drought-like conditions. As a result, many farmers are shifting to other crops. While some have started growing vegetables, others have begun cultivating rice.
According to the Madhya Pradesh government, soybean was once the preferred crop among farmers, but due to climate change, many are transitioning to other forms of agriculture. However, some farmers continue to grow soybean out of necessity. The decline in production has also affected soybean processing companies in the state. The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) claims that the reduction in yields has forced several companies to shut down. In response, the Indian Institute of Soybean Research has been working on developing varieties that can thrive in adverse weather conditions. Meanwhile, many farmers are increasingly opting to grow rice and maize instead of soybean.
There are several reasons behind the shrinking area under soybean cultivation, including climate change, rising agricultural costs, and declining yields.
Poor Seed Quality Leading to Declining Yields
Madhya Pradesh accounts for 55-60 thousand hectares of soybean cultivation, the largest area in the country. Despite having research facilities for soybean, the state has yet to develop a weather-resistant variety. The resistance of the existing crops is diminishing, which directly impacts production. Farmers have also reported that rising cultivation costs combined with poor seed quality are leading to reduced yields, resulting in lower returns. Consequently, many farmers are shifting towards growing rice and maize.
Impact of Climate Change on Soybean Crops
Inconsistent rainfall and fluctuating temperatures in the state are significantly affecting soybean production. Sudden temperature changes during the crop’s growth period lead to reduced yields. Due to this risk, farmers are increasingly turning to maize and sorghum cultivation. Since soybean cultivation is largely dependent on rainfall, good rains encourage farmers to grow soybean, while poor rainfall results in a decline in its cultivation area, leading to reduced production.
Higher Costs and Lower Returns
The rising costs of soybean cultivation coupled with lower returns are driving farmers away from soybean and towards crops like maize and rice. Despite having research facilities, better-quality soybean varieties have not been made available. Currently, farmers are only able to achieve yields of 16-20 quintals per hectare, far below the potential yield of 25-30 quintals per hectare. In the past, soybean oil and meal were also exported, but with the cessation of exports, farmers are facing losses. According to farmers, they are now barely able to produce 10 quintals per hectare.
Four to Five Quintals Per Acre Yield
Farmers report that the average soybean yield is four to five quintals per acre, and if market prices remain low, they face significant financial hardship. Last year, they received only ₹4,000 per quintal, prompting many farmers to stock their produce in the hope that prices would rise. As the new crop approaches harvest, concerns about low prices persist.
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