Focused research must to increase soyabean production, say experts

SOYA Research Institutes and Centres of the country are still struggling to increase its farm production only, inspite of developing technology that can supplement, food and health market also.

The soyabean crop yield in India is low i.e. around 1 ton per hectare, in comparison to European farms, where average yield is just double to Indian production. To meet the nutritional requirement of the increasing population of the country, soyabean experts suggested that if focused research over the exploitation of this protein rich crop as food and health supplement is structured then this wonder crop will help in fulfilling nutritional requirement of people of all age groups. In present scenario to increase soyabean’s per hectare yield, redesigning of its type like improvement in yield attributes, genetic improvement aiming seed viability and drought tolerance which has not been considered yet in previous researches. Besides genetic improvement, better integrated disease and pest management (BIDPM) and integrated plant nutrient management have become need of the hour. Soyabean research should also be done to exploit its rich nutritious contents and oil factors to utilise it as a raw material for food and health supplements along with bio-fuel. Due to its high nutritive quality with very high protein, its balanced amino acids has made it first liking to the food scientists in India and abroad. Covering wide range for nutritive requirement of infants, adults, women and old age people soya products are gaining popularity. Being good source for bio-diesel, soyabean has gained attention of agricultural scientists world-wide. Amongst five big soya producers in the world including USA, Brazil, China, Japan, Argentina, India holds fifth position. To lead the world market the country’s research should be focused on more productivity as well as to exploit its nutritive factors. With present yield, to exploit this wonder crop an extensive Extension Programme for farmers on post harvest technologies is need of the hour. Farmers after learning about the market potential of soyabean products like soya textured food, noodles, soft drinks, beverages, bakery items, farmers would be interested in adopting scientific farm methodologies. In recent research developments soyabean is being projected as bio-fuel. Soyabean is considered the best thing for bio-fuel and its produces have very close symptoms to diesel. To explore the potential of soya market in India, there is intense need to increase soya production, simultaneously research and designing of food items suiting Indian food habits, can bring various socio-economic changes.