New Delhi.Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA), the apex trade body for oilseeds, has predicted that the area under soyabean will decline by about 5 per cent this kharif season. This is mainly due to many farmers shifting to alternative crops like maize, red pea (arhar or pigeon pea) and cotton as soyabean has been yielding poor returns in the last two consecutive years due to low market prices, it said.
Soyabean sowing is currently taking place in key producing states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Karnataka, among others. As per SOPA estimates, soyabean sowing is complete by June 30 for about 42.98 lh.
“Monsoon has arrived on time this year and soyabean is currently underway in key states. Sowing in India is expected to be completed by July 15,” SOPA said.