India’s soybean production to decline by 2% despite expanded acreage
India’s soybean production is forecast to decline 2.1% to 10.79 million tonnes in 2026 due to drought and moisture shortages. Higher output in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan may offset losses, particularly Maharashtra’s projected 33.2% decline, while crop destruction across three states further limits supplies.
India’s soybean production could decline by 2.1% in 2026 to 10.79 mln tons, compared with 11.03 mln tons a year earlier. According to the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA), prolonged drought and moisture shortages in key growing regions are the main reasons for the decline. However, higher production in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is expected to largely offset losses in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana.
The largest production increase is expected in Madhya Pradesh, India’s leading soybean-producing state. Output could rise by 32.2% to 5.72 mln tons, compared with 4.32 mln tons last year. Planted area expanded from 4.86 mln to 5.21 mln ha, while average yields are projected to increase from 0.89 to 1.11 t/ha. In Rajasthan, production is forecast at 947 thsd tons, up 48.2% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra, one of India’s major soybean-producing regions, is expected to see a 33.2% decline in output to 3.49 mln tons. Prolonged dry spells and moisture shortages during critical crop development stages were the main causes. Across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana, soybean crops covering approximately 702 thsd ha were completely destroyed and could not be harvested.
Despite unfavorable weather conditions, India’s total soybean planted area increased by nearly 5% this season to 11.77 mln ha, compared with 11.21 mln ha last year. However, drought and insufficient soil moisture affected 776 thsd ha, reducing the actual harvested area to 11 mln ha. Average yields are estimated at 0.98 t/ha, virtually unchanged from the previous season.
Soybeans remain one of India’s key oilseed crops, providing raw materials for edible oil production and protein feed for the livestock and poultry industries. Lower output could limit domestic soybean supplies for processors, although significant production gains in several states will help prevent a sharper nationwide decline.
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Source : Ukr Agro Consult
