February 2, 2009

 

Soy output in the western state of Maharashtra may halve to 1.92 million tonnes in 2008/09 despite a rise in acreage as late sowing and pest infestation dented yield, state agriculture minister said on Friday (Jan 30).

 

The second largest soy producer in India had harvested 3.97 million tonnes in 2007/08.

 

Maharashtra agriculture minister, Balasaheb Thorat said lower rains in June and July delayed sowing of the oilseed. Besides, pest attack, especially in Marathwada and Vidarbha region, trimmed yields.

 

Farmers in the state usually sow the oilseed after arrival of monsoon rains in June and start harvesting from October.

 

According to data shown by the agriculture department, area under the crop in the state increased 15.6 percent to 3.08 million hectares in 2008/09.

 

The crop yield is expected to drop by 58.2 percent on year to 623 kilogrammes per hectare, a senior official with state agriculture department said.

 

Thin arrivals in major physical markets in the state also indicated a dip in output.

 

Most arrivals had been over last year by end of January, but this year only about 60 percent of the total estimated produce hit the market, said Dnyanoba Kalme, a trader based in Latur, central Maharashtra.

 

Soy is a main summer-sown oilseed crop in the country.

 

A trader based in Nagpur, the biggest market for the commodity in the state, Radha Vallabhaji Purohit said farmers are bringing only part of the produce and holding the rest anticipating a rise in prices.

 

Soy price in Nagpur spot market has risen by one third to Rp2,346 (US$47.80) per 100 kilogrammes in the last two months as soymeal exporters increased purchase on robust overseas demand.