September 13, 2005

India's soybean crop benefits from rains

According to industry reports, India's oilseed crop has improved following widespread rain, but output was expected to be lower compared with the previous year due to damage from a dry period in August this year.

India mainly grows soybeans and groundnuts during the winter season. Sowing takes place with the arrival of monsoon rains in June, and harvesting starts in late September.

Industry reports estimated Indian soybean production to reach about 5.2 million to 5.3 million tonnes this season, down from 5.85 million the previous year.

Soybean yields were also expected to fall to about 800-850 kg/hectare this year from an average of 1,000 kg/hectare, traders said.

Soybean sizes were expected to be smaller due to moisture stress from the dry period, according to industry reports. Harvesting was also expected to be delayed by almost a month to end October because of late sowing.