India’s soybean output seen falling 2.1% to 107.93 lakh tonnes in Kharif 2026: Farmers' body

India's soybean output for the Kharif 2026 season is projected to decline slightly by 2.11 percent to 107.93 lakh tonnes, according to the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA). Despite drought-like conditions in several regions, higher production in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will likely counterbalance the crop losses in Maharashtra, the association reported. The data was disclosed during the concluding session of SOPA's international soybean conference in Indore.

Soybean, a crucial oilseed crop that caters to domestic cooking oil and serves as a protein base for livestock and poultry industries, is expected to see a 2.11 percent drop from the previous season. The losses in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana are attributed to prolonged dry spells and moisture deficiency during vital growth stages of the crop. Soybean fields planted over a total of 7.02 lakh hectares in these three states were entirely destroyed and could not be harvested, as per SOPA.

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have experienced favorable soybean crops this season, with higher yields compared to the previous year. Madhya Pradesh is anticipated to produce 57.16 lakh tonnes of soybean, which is 32.2 percent higher than the 43.24 lakh tonnes generated last year. The state's cultivated area has expanded to 52.09 lakh hectares from 48.64 lakh hectares a year ago, with an expected average yield of 1,108 kg per hectare.

Conversely, Maharashtra is projected to face a 33.2 percent decline in production, reaching 34.88 lakh tonnes. Rajasthan is expected to see a 48.2 percent increase in output, totaling 9.47 lakh tonnes.

Overall, soybean cultivation across India has expanded by around 5 lakh hectares compared to the previous season. However, deficient soil moisture and drought conditions have impacted the crop in 7.76 lakh hectares, resulting in a reduced harvested area of 109.98 lakh hectares. With an estimated average yield of 981 kg per hectare in the harvested area, the total soybean production is projected to be 107.93 lakh tonnes, slightly lower than the 110.26 lakh tonnes generated in the prior Kharif season, when the average yield stood at 983 kg per hectare.