India could significantly increase oilseed production without expanding planted area

India could significantly increase oilseed production without expanding planted area if results from model farms can be replicated in commercial production. In Rajasthan, soybean yields on these farms are approaching 2 t/ha, nearly double the country’s typical level of around 1 t/ha.

Around 450 soybean and groundnut model farms have been established across Rajasthan and neighboring districts this season. They use improved farming practices, including more efficient nutrient management and input use. Groundnut yields on the model farms could exceed 2.5 t/ha.

If these results can be scaled up, higher yields would allow India to increase domestic oilseed supplies without bringing additional land into production. In the medium term, this could reduce the country’s import demand for soybeans and competing vegetable oils. However, the results so far come from demonstration farms and still need to be replicated at commercial scale.

India plans to extend the approach to other oilseeds as well. A proposal calls for establishing around 3 thsd model farms for mustard. However, uneven monsoon rainfall remains a key risk, with rainfall deficits reported in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, both important soybean-producing regions.

Tags: soybean, India, yield, mustard, peanuts