9 months ago
Maharashtra Soybean Prices Climb Ahead of Government Procurement Scheme
Farmers in Maharashtra grow soybeans.
Recently, too much rain damaged some of their crops, and the prices dropped a lot.
This made farmers worried.
Now, the government is getting ready to buy soybeans through a special program called the Price Support Scheme, starting on Saturday.
Because the government plans to buy, prices are going up again!
Farmers are choosing to wait and sell to the government, hoping for a better price for their soybeans.
Even though some crops were affected by the rain, the upcoming government purchases are making the market prices rise for the good soybeans.
This means prices are climbing as the buying program gets ready to start.
Soybean prices in Maharashtra are rising ahead of the state's Price Support Scheme (PSS) procurement, which begins on Saturday.
The upward trend is fueled by expectations of government purchases and reduced market arrivals, with prices surpassing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in many areas.
Excessive rainfall in September and October, along with recent showers, has caused significant crop damage and affected soybean yields.
The Union government has approved the procurement of 18,50,700 tonnes of soybean under the PSS for the current kharif season.
Farmers are reportedly withholding their produce in anticipation of higher prices through government procurement, impacting market dynamics.
- Who
- Farmers, traders, market committees in Maharashtra, and the Union government.
- What
- Soybean prices are increasing due to the upcoming government procurement under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and reduced market arrivals, following a period of sharp price drops caused by crop damage from excessive rainfall.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including key producing districts and markets such as Hinganghat, Jalna, Malkapur, Jintur, Yavatmal, and Akola.
- When
- Leading up to and starting from Saturday, November 14, 2025 (publication date).
- Why
- The price rise is driven by the expectation of government procurement, farmers holding back produce, and reduced market arrivals, contrasted with significant crop damage caused by excessive rainfall in September and October.
Farmer/Trader Concerns
Market Realities
Impact of Crop Damage
Farmer/Trader Concerns
Farmers report widespread crop damage due to excessive rain, with some crops becoming rotten and the exact extent of damage being difficult to estimate.
Market Realities
The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) estimated around 8% of the crop was completely damaged as of September due to heavy rains affecting flowering, pod-filling, and harvested soybeans.
Reason for Price Increase
Farmer/Trader Concerns
Farmers are withholding their produce, anticipating better prices through the government's Price Support Scheme (PSS) procurement.
Market Realities
Prices are rising due to expectations of government procurement and a reduction in market arrivals as farmers hold back stock, with prices in several areas already exceeding the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Key facts
- Scheme Name
- Price Support Scheme (PSS)
- Approved Procurement Quantity
- 18,50,700 tonnes
- Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- ₹5,328 per quintal
- Highest Price Recorded (Jalna)
- ₹6,200 per quintal
- Soybean Sown Area (Kharif)
- Approx. 50 lakh acres
- Crop Damage (SOPA Assessment)
- Approx. 8% completely damaged (September)
Quotes
Vishram Mane
trader
“Prices are likely to go up further as the government starts procurement. Farmers have stopped bringing their produce to APMC, hoping that they will be able to sell their produce under procurement.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Nilima Renge
Vidarbha farmer
“In some districts, the crop was rotten. It is difficult to estimate how much crop is completely damaged, but definitely rains have affected the crop.”
thehindubusinessline.com
