Soybean

What it is

India's largest kharif oilseed. Solvent plants extract oil (about one-sixth) and soybean meal (de-oiled cake), the main protein in poultry feed; also made into soya chunks, flour and milk.

Yellow soybean (FAQ)Non-GM food-grade soybean

Where India produces it

1. Madhya Pradesh

   2023-24: 5.47 million tonnes (41.89% of India)

2. Maharashtra

   2023-24: 5.26 million tonnes (40.25% of India)

3. Rajasthan

   2023-24: 1.17 million tonnes (8.96% of India)

4. Karnataka

   2023-24: 0.41 million tonnes (3.16% of India)

5. Gujarat

   2023-24: 0.37 million tonnes (2.82% of India)

Where imports come from

Seed is mostly home-grown; soybean oil is largely imported (see crude soybean oil).

• Niger — US$ 32.14 million imported under HS 1201 in 2024-25
• Togo — US$ 29.36 million imported under HS 1201 in 2024-25
• Benin — US$ 20.94 million imported under HS 1201 in 2024-25

Rules before you buy or sell

• Farm-gate trade usually goes through a state APMC mandi or e-NAM; the state's market fee and trader licence rules apply.
• Imports of seeds, grain and plant products need a phytosanitary certificate and clearance under the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003.
• Import and export are governed by the ITC(HS) policy; check the current DGFT notification before you sign a contract, because policy for farm goods changes often.
• Genetically modified (GM) soybean is not approved for cultivation in India; GM food products need approval under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Businesses that use it

Soya Chunks Manufacturing →Soya Flour Manufacturing →Soya Milk Unit →Soya Paneer (Tofu) Making →Texturised Soya Protein (Soya Chunks) →Soya Chaap Making Unit →Soya Sauce Making →Soya-Fortified Nutritious Biscuits →Poultry Feed Unit →Cattle Feed (Pellet) Unit →