Soya acreage in MP may be cut

The acreage of soyabean in Madhya Pradesh has reportedly been reduced due to the late arrival of the monsoon, from 44.439 lakh hectares to 34-36 lakh hectares.

Some soya-growing areas have not only received insufficient rains but some parts of the state need replanting after floods damaged the crop.

Data available with Business Standard indicate as many as 22 districts of the state have received excess rainfall, 12 have received normal rainfall, and 10 have received deficient rainfall in July.

However, Indore-based Soyabean Processors Association of India (Sopa) has said despite shrinkage in the sowing area, the production may touch 34-35 lakh tonnes, against 34.67 lakh tonnes last year. Sopa will come up with its first crop estimate tomorrow.

Speaking to Business Standard, Sopa Chairman Rajesh Agrawal said, "Though the monsoon has been delayed, MP has received good rains so far and rains in the coming months will give us a clearer picture. We will come up with our first estimates on Monday."

Agrawal said, "Reports say sowing has been completed in almost 34-36 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 62 lakh hectares all over India ((72.083 lakh hectares in 2004-05). Soya production is expected to be 34-36 lakh tonnes in the state but much depends on the rains in the days to come."

"Western Madhya Pradesh, mainly Indore and Rewa, have received less than normal rains but the weekend rainfall has helped the farmers," Agrawal said.

According to state government data, 5,438.12 lakh hectares have been affected and the crop on 438.75 lakh hectares damaged in floods in nine districts of the state.

Madhya Pradesh accounts for 85 per cent of the country's export of de-oiled cakes and produces a large amount of edible oil.