Acreage under soyabean to decline this season: SOPA

Area under soyabean, a major kharif crop, in the country is estimated to drop as against the previous year amid delay in onset ofmonsoonand shift to other crops, a survey by a trade body showed on Tuesday.
Acreage under soyabean as on July 10 in the

country was estimated at 90 lakh hectare, according to theSoybean Processors Association of India(SOPA). In the previous year, farmers had sown soyabean on 114 lakh hectare, said the survey report as against the government estimate of 120 lakh hectare.

SOPA executive director DN Pathak said, We estimate that because of delay in onset of monsoon and some minor shift to other crops, the total area under soybean this year may be slightly lower than last year. We will update the sowing data in two weeks when sowing will complete.
SOPA conducted a survey of leading soyabean producing states of the country, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,Rajasthan, ,Karnatakaand Chhattisgarh among others.

Acreage under soyabean in Madhya Pradesh, leading soybean producing state in the

country contributing over 60 per cent in total production, was estimated at 42 lakh hectare as on July 10. Area under soyabean in MP last year was 50 lakh hectare.