India is one of the world’s leading producers of soybeans, and the commodity is crucial to the nation’s economy. Every year, farmers across India sow soybean seeds in their fields, and then wait for the plant to mature and produce a bountiful harvest.

The legume known as the soybean is indigenous to East Asia. Because of its hardiness, it may flourish in a range of climatic conditions and soil types. India is one of the world’s leading producers of soybeans, with a production of over 21 million metric tons in 2016. A versatile crop, soybeans can be utilised for a multitude of things. The vast majority of soybeans grown in India are used for animal feed, but the crop can also be used to produce oil and biodiesel.

On the strength of stable acreage and sufficient rainfall, market players anticipate that India’s soybean harvest in the marketing year (MY) 2022–2023 (October–September) would be greater than the government’s prediction.

A poll of 11 trade players and analysts found that the output of soybeans is expected to increase by about 3% on an annual basis to 13.1 million mt in MY 2022–2023, up from an anticipated 12.8 million mt in MY 2021–22. The output is projected to rise due to stable crop acreage throughout the year and sufficient rains throughout important growing regions, as per the dealers.

However, as of September 21, the government estimated that soybean production for MY 2022–2023 will be 12.89 million mt, slightly less than its forecasts of 12.99 million mt for MY 2021–2022.

The area planted with soybeans was 12.1 million hectares, basically unchanged throughout the course of the year, the agriculture ministry reported. As said by a Mumbai-based analyst, “enough rains are likely to raise yield potential and subsequently increase output across states.” The administration may have predicted the output to be lower due to a steep fall in area in Madhya Pradesh.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka all saw a rise in soybean planting areas last year. The greatest producer of soybeans, Madhya Pradesh, has smaller acreage this year than last, the statistics revealed.

In line with the data from the government, farmers in Maharashtra have planted soybeans on 4.9 million hectares, up from 4.6 million ha the year before. As of this year, soybeans have been planted on 1.2 million hectares in Rajasthan, an increase from 1.1 million ha the year prior. In Karnataka, the acreage increased from 382,700 ha in MY 2021–2022 to 437,500 ha in MY 2022–2023.

However, the area in Madhya Pradesh has shrunk from 5.5 million hectares to 5 million ha since the previous year. Because of inadequate rainfall during the first planting time and farmers switching to other crops, the area planted with soybeans in Madhya Pradesh reduced, according to a dealer with a multinational company located in Delhi.

India had 7% more rainfall than typical between June and September, as reported by the Indian Meteorological Service. Meanwhile, rainfall has been 26% more than usual in Maharashtra and 34% higher than average in Rajasthan.

Market members are optimistic that despite a decrease in area in Madhya Pradesh, a yield gain is possible owing to sufficient rains, with the state getting 22% above average rainfall from June 1 to September 20.

Madhya Pradesh has had a switch from soybean production, but recent strong rains may be able to neutralise to some extent the effect on output since they may enhance average yields, according to a dealer with another multinational corporation located in Delhi. Nevertheless, some people in the trade community are worried that frequent downpours might harm the crop’s quality.

Considering imports of soybean oil from India

According to traders, India, one of the world’s major importers of soybean oil, may see a decrease in its imports of soybean oil as a result of an anticipated higher soybean harvest.

According to expectations in the market, the above-average harvest will increase domestic sales of soybean meal while reducing imports of oil derivatives. In August, soybean meal exports grew by over 60% year over year to 17,547 mt, according to the most recent statistics from the Solvent Extractors’ Association, despite the fact that Indian soybean meal was more expensive on international markets during the first half of 2022.

Analysts stated that “With expected good soybean crop, coupled with substantial carry forward, crushing will increase from October or onward. Starting with the new season, the export of soybean meal from India may increase.”

Regarding India’s other imported commodities, we have a recent article on how the country is increasing its purchase of Russian oil. You may also view India’s detailed import and export data on our platform, TradeData.Pro.