Ітdia to develop new soybean varieties using genome editing

India’s Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the government will leverage genome editing technology to develop improved soybean varieties to enhance the yield of this oilseed crop. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at the National Soybean Research Institute in Indore, he highlighted that soybean productivity in India has reached a stagnation point, while other countries achieve higher yields.

Unlike Brazil, India does not use genetically modified (GM) soybean varieties but plans to adopt genome editing to create high-yielding varieties. This technology enables precise changes to a plant’s DNA to introduce desirable traits, such as improved resilience or yield. Chouhan emphasized the need to reduce cultivation costs and boost soybean productivity to support farmers.

The minister underscored soybean’s role as a key protein source. The government aims to promote the production of high-quality soybean-based products and increase soybean meal exports. Research projects will be tailored to farmers’ needs, and cultivation practices will be revised to enhance efficiency, strengthening India’s position in the global soybean market.

Addressing the issue of palm oil imports, which account for over 60% of India’s edible oil needs, Chouhan stated that the government periodically adjusts its import-export policy to balance the interests of farmers and consumers. He assured that soybean procurement will occur at the minimum support price (MSP), set at ₹5,328 per quintal for the 2025-26 kharif season, up ₹436 from the previous season.

These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to reducing reliance on edible oil imports and supporting local farmers. The development of advanced soybean varieties and guaranteed MSP procurement aim to boost farmers’ incomes and strengthen the country’s food security.

Tags: soybean, India