Soybeans are an important crop mainly grown in India for their seeds, which are used to process food items and feed animals. Soybean forms are very nutritious; they contain many proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Soybean farmers mostly intercrop the plant with other crops such as wheat, cotton, among others. This helps in preserving the soil’s fertility. Soy is also in high demand because it enhances the fertility of the soil. It has the capability of converting nitrogen in the air to the ground, thus being beneficial for other crops.
In India, soybeans are used to prepare products such as soymilk, tofu, and soy sauces. Its raw products are crushed into oil, which acts as a carrier for frying. Furthermore, soybeans are used in animal feed as a protein source for poultry and livestock farmers and other animal producers.
If you are an individual who wishes to cultivate soybeans, read our guide below:
Types of Soybeans Available in India:
In India, there are numerous types of soybeans, and all differ in their characteristics and their uses. Here are the soybean varieties that are easily available in India.
Soybean-Growing States in India
Soybean has emerged as a popular crop in India since it is rich in nutrients and can be incorporated in various dishes. For reference purposes, the following are the states where soybeans are produced on a large scale.
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Madhya Pradesh
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Maharashtra
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Rajasthan
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Karnataka
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Telangana
Why Should You Add Soybean To Your Diet?
Soybeans are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential in the body. They are very useful when included in diets and in agricultural practices. Soybeans are a perfect fit for anyone who is looking to increase their protein consumption. You can find the benefits of consuming soybeans in the following points.
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Rich in protein
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Reduces risk of cancer
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Good for bone health
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Lowers cholesterol levels in the body
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Keeps heart healthy
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Beneficial in pregnancy
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Improves blood circulation
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Aids digestive system
Steps to Cultivate Soybeans:
The soybean production process requires some specific stages to facilitate the production of this food crop. It starts with weather requirements, land preparation, sowing/budding, watering and then finally, harvesting. This cultivation also requires pest and disease control in order to produce good yields. The details of each of these steps are provided below:
Weather Requirements:
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Temperature: Soybeans prefer moderate climates where the temperatures are between 20 °C and 30 °C (68 °F and 86 °F).
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Rainfall: They require a moderate amount of rain and preferably 600-800 mm per annum. Anything in excess or in the opposite is bad when it comes to growth.
Soil Preparation
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Soil Type: Soybeans require well-drained loam-deep soil with good organic matter and have a moderate intolerance level to water-logged soil.
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pH Level: Ideally, the soil pH should range from 6. 0 to 7. 0.
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Preparation: Till the land to about 15-20cm and the soil surface should be friable. For effective preparation of the soil, one can use a Powertrac 434 tractor. It is a highly versatile tractor that can easily attach any implement. Additionally, the Powertrac tractor 434 price also comes in a competitive range.
Plantation
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Timing: Farmers should plant soybeans after the last frost, which is during the early monsoon season.
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Spacing: Plant seeds at a depth of 2-5 cm and space rows 30-45 cm apart and seeds within rows 5-10 cm.
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Seed Quality: One should use certified high-quality seeds to avoid poor germination and growth.
Irrigation
Water Needs: Irrigate the plants often, especially during intervals when they will be exposed to dry weather. Do not water the roots, as this leads to water logging on the soil surface.
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Method: In water management, one should adopt the use of drip irrigation or furrow irrigation to minimize wastage of water.
Pest and Disease Control
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Pests: Look for aphids, beetles and caterpillars that are known to attack soybeans. If necessary, consider using suitable insecticides.
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Diseases: Keep an eye out for diseases like rust, blight or root rot.
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Control: Apply fungicides and use crop rotation.
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Prevention: Good Field Hygiene should be maintained, and disease-resistant Seed varieties should be used.
Harvesting
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Timing: Harvest when the pods turn brown and dry, which generally occurs about 4-6 months after plantation.
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Method: Cut and collect the beans with combine harvester or manual. This ensures that the product is harvested not too early or late and quality remains high.
Post-Harvesting Steps
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Cleaning: Get rid of any remaining debris and clear the pods and stems from the beans.
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Storage: Keep the harvested beans in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to maintain quality and prevent insect infestations.
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To send the harvested soybeans to the storage houses, one can use a Farmtrac 45 tractor. It is a powerful tractor that can easily lift 1500 kg. Farmtrac 45 tractor price starts at 6.90 lakh and goes up to 7.17 Lakh.
The Bottom Line
Soybean farming appears to be a good prospect for a farmer who wants to bring an increase to their income. This crop is famous due to its high protein content and use in food products and feed for animals and poultry. When farmers select the right soybean varieties and use soil and water effectively, they set the foundation for good yields. Additionally, constant monitoring of pests and diseases helps ensure a healthy crop and maximizes production. If farmers use effective practices during harvesting and post-harvesting processes, then it’s very profitable.