February 15, 2008

India soy output may rise 24 percent on good farm practices

India's soy production is likely to rise 23.7 percent in the crop year that started in November, the Financial Express newspaper reported, citing an industry official.

It quoted D.K. Kalra, executive director of the Soybean Processors Association of India, as saying that output will likely grow to 9.4 million tonnes because of better use of technology and the availability of quality seeds.

"We have been conducting front-line demonstration of better agricultural practices for farmers in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the rise in production (will be) a result of this."

SOPA said the country has the potential to produce around 15 million tonnes of soy if per-hectare yields can be increased.