1. Origin
Soybean (Glycine max) is believed to have originated in Eastern Asia, particularly in China over 3,000 years ago. It was widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food. The crop later spread to Korea and Japan and more recently to the Americas. In India, its significant cultivation began in the 1970s, especially in the central zone, where suitable varieties were developed.
2. Geographical Distribution in India
Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. Soybean is also cultivated in Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The crop is primarily grown in areas with monsoon rainfall and moderately fertile soils.
3. Economic Importance
- Rich in protein (40%) and oil (20%) content.
- Key component in edible oil production and livestock feed.
- Used in food industries (tofu, soymilk), biofuel, and industrial applications.
- Reduces import dependence for edible oils and supports rural livelihoods.
4. Soil and Climatic Requirements
Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy or clay loam soils, pH 6.0–7.5.
Climate: Warm and humid with 25–30°C temperature and 60–120 cm rainfall.
5. Land Preparation
Ploughing 2–3 times followed by harrowing. Apply 5–10 tons/ha FYM. Level the field for uniform sowing and moisture.
6. Varieties Developed in India
Popular varieties include JS 335, JS 9305, NRC 37, MACS 124, MAUS 61, and RKS 24. These are high-yielding and disease-resistant, suited for diverse agro-climatic zones.
7. Seed Requirement
60–75 kg/ha for rainfed, 75–80 kg/ha for irrigated areas. Seed treatment with fungicides and bio-inoculants is recommended.
8. Sowing Time
Mainly sown in Kharif (June–July). In southern India, also grown in Rabi (October–November).
9. Cropping Systems
Intercropped with maize, cotton, pigeon pea, and sesame. Often rotated with wheat, chickpea, and mustard.
10. Fertilizer Requirements
Recommended dose: 20:60:40 N:P:K kg/ha. Apply FYM and biofertilizers (Rhizobium, PSB) to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.
11. Water Requirements
Needs 400–600 mm of water. Critical stages: flowering, pod formation, and seed filling. Avoid waterlogging.
12. Weed Management
Manual weeding at 20 and 40 DAS. Herbicides: Pendimethalin (pre-emergence), Imazethapyr (post-emergence). Crop rotation and mulching are beneficial.
13. Diseases and Their Management
- Rust: Spray Hexaconazole or Mancozeb.
- Yellow Mosaic Virus: Use resistant varieties and control whiteflies.
- Cercospora Leaf Spot: Use Chlorothalonil or Carbendazim sprays.
14. Insect Pests and Their Management
- Stem Fly, Girdle Beetle: Use Lambda-cyhalothrin or Quinalphos.
- Aphids, Whiteflies: Use neem oil or Imidacloprid.
- Adopt IPM practices and monitor fields regularly.
15. Harvesting & Threshing
Harvest when pods dry and rattle. Avoid delays to prevent shattering. Threshing is done manually or using threshers after sun-drying.
16. Yield of Crop
Rainfed: 12–18 quintals/ha; Irrigated: 20–25 quintals/ha, depending on practices and environmental conditions.
17. Post-Harvest Operations
Dry seeds to 10–12% moisture. Store in airtight containers to avoid spoilage. Soybeans are processed into oil, flour, tofu, and feed. Rising demand supports value addition and rural entrepreneurship.
Conclusion: Soybean is a key crop in India’s agriculture due to its multiple uses, adaptability, and market potential. Scientific cultivation and post-harvest management can enhance its profitability and sustainability.