Growth and Variability of Soybean Production in Madhya Pradesh, India: An Agro-Climatic Zone-wise Analysis

Abstract

Soybean is an important oilseed crop that contributes substantially to India's edible oil economy and nutritional security. Madhya Pradesh, commonly known as the Soybean State, accounts for nearly half of the country's soybean area and production. The present study analysed the growth performance and instability in the area, production and productivity of soybean across major agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh during 2002-03 to 2019-20. Secondary data obtained from the Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, were analysed using absolute change, relative change, coefficient of variation and growth analysis for two sub-periods and the overall study period. The results revealed that soybean occupied about 92% of the kharif oilseed area and contributed more than 91% of total kharif oilseed production in the state. The Malwa Plateau emerged as the leading soybean-producing region, accounting for more than half of the state's area and production, whereas the Jhabua Hills recorded the highest productivity. During the overall period, soybean area and productivity showed positive growth at the state level, while production exhibited considerable temporal fluctuations. The coefficient of variation indicated comparatively higher instability in production and productivity during the second period, reflecting the influence of climatic variability and other production constraints. Regional disparities in growth performance and instability were evident across agro-climatic zones. The study emphasises the need for region-specific technological interventions, climate-resilient production practices, improved quality seed distribution, efficient resource management and strengthened extension services to enhance soybean productivity and stabilise production in Madhya Pradesh.