India's soybean production this year may reach 9.9 million tonnes

According to officials of the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) on Tuesday, India's soybean production this year may reach last year's level of 9.9 million tonnes, mainly because higher planted area may offset the adverse effects of drought.

This year's insufficient monsoon rainfall in India may affect the growth of summer-sown crops such as soybeans.

According to SOPA coordination official Rajesh Agrawal, rainfall in the main producing areas over the next two months will be the key factor determining soybean production.

Official data show that as of August 6, India's soybean planted area reached 9.368 million hectares, up from 9.131 million hectares in the same period last year.