Soybean acreage in India is expected to rise 5-7 per cent over last year’s levels as prices rule above the minimum support price (MSP), according to the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA). The trade body’s field assessment indicates that sowing has been completed in approximately 80-90 per cent of the targeted area across soybean-growing states. Last year, acreage stood at 114 lakh hectares, SOPA data shows.
Price and Sowing Trends
Prices for soybean are hovering in the range of ₹6,700-6,900 per quintal in Madhya Pradesh, well above the MSP of ₹5,708 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing season announced by the central government. DN Pathak, Executive Director of SOPA, said that farmers who had shifted to maize last year are now returning to the oilseed crop due to higher prices. The soybean sowing started late because of the delayed onset of the South-West monsoon, but gained momentum with adequate rainfall.
SOPA vs Government Acreage Estimates
As of July 8, SOPA estimated the total soybean acreage at 100.31 lakh hectares, significantly higher than the Agriculture Ministry’s estimate of 57.92 lakh hectares. Pathak attributed the difference to a reporting lag of 7-10 days in government data. Key state-wise estimates are compared below:
| State | SOPA Estimate (lakh ha) | Govt Estimate (lakh ha) |
|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 44.25 | 25.96 |
| Maharashtra | 40.25 | 23.58 |
| Rajasthan | 7.98 | 4.94 |
In Madhya Pradesh, nearly 90 per cent of the targeted area has been covered. In Rajasthan, sowing is also approximately 90 per cent complete, while in Maharashtra, it has reached 80-90 per cent. Pathak noted that about 1-2 per cent of the sown area has reportedly been re-sown due to poor or failed germination following uneven rainfall.
Crop Condition and Outlook
The soybean crop is in the vegetative stage and is reported to be in normal to satisfactory condition across major growing regions. Farmers are undertaking weed management operations using both herbicides and manual methods, including kolpa and dora, depending on local conditions. SOPA stated that the final production outlook will depend on the timely distribution and adequacy of rainfall during the remaining three months of the growing season. If weather conditions remain favourable, “the crop has the potential to achieve good productivity and deliver a higher harvest than the previous season,” the association said.
Implications for Traders
For commodity traders and procurement teams, the expected increase in acreage suggests a potential rise in supply, but the actual output hinges on monsoon performance. The price premium over MSP indicates farmer profitability, which may sustain sowing interest in subsequent seasons. The reporting lag between SOPA and government data highlights the importance of real-time field assessments for market positioning. Key data to watch include weekly rainfall updates and the Agriculture Ministry’s forthcoming official sowing figures.
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