India’s poultry sector calls for extension of soybean trade restrictions

Soybean production in India for the 2025–26 season is projected at 12.72 million tons. However, the Soybean Processors Association (SOPA) has issued a more cautious estimate of 10.53 million tons, significantly below last year’s 12.58 million tons.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service has also raised concerns, forecasting a 15% decline in output to 10.7 million tons. Key factors cited include reduced planting areas, unfavorable weather, and crop diversification.

Lower production is expected to directly affect the supply of soybean meal, a key protein source for poultry feed, dairy feed, shrimp feed, and fish feed. Disruptions in availability could raise feed costs and put additional pressure on farmers who rely on affordable, high-quality protein feed.

To address the shortfall, industry representatives have urged the government to allow imports of 1.5 million tons of GM soybean meal. They argue that such imports would ensure an uninterrupted supply of protein-rich feed and help stabilize the market amid declining domestic production.

Previously, the government suspended soybean trading on the NCDEX, which helped curb speculative activity and stabilize prices. The restriction is set to expire on March 31, 2026, but industry associations are calling for an extension to prevent sharp price fluctuations and protect the interests of farmers, poultry producers, and aquaculture operators.

Tags: GM, soybean, Poultry, India, soybean meal