SOPA is the only trade body in the country which works directly with the farmers for increasing Soybean Productivity. Our farm activities include a Seed Production Programme, Front Line Demonstrations and Farmers Training.
Mission – Bringing Prosperity through Golden Bean.
Vision
- Twenty Twenty Twenty – To increase Soybean Productivity to 20 Qtls. Per Ha. and Production to 20 Million Tonnes by the year 2020.
- To bring economic prosperity to Soybean Farmers by increasing their income through Soybean Cultivation.
- To ensure Nutritional Security for Indian masses by increasing consumption of Soya-based Food Products by 50% in the next 5 years.
CURRENT STATUS OF SOYBEAN IN INDIA
India currently grows about 10 million tons of soybean, which is only about 4% of world production. But we are the only country in the world to grow Non-GMO soybean which gives the Indian farmers an unique advantage. As demand for Non-GMO products grows, Indian farmer can command a premium on its products on a long term sustainable basis. However, low yield is the one major disadvantage we face which must be addressed.
Reasons for low productivity:
- Two-thirds of Indian agriculture is largely dependent on rainfall.
- Small and marginal farm size.
- Poor dissemination of farming techniques.
- Erratic supply of good quality and sufficient quantity of inputs.
- Poor soil and water management.
- Lack of high yielding varieties, suitable for different agro climatic zones.
- Poor storage conditions and inadequate post harvest supply chain.
Following are the activities undertaken by SOPA under Soybean Development :
- Front Line Demonstrations.
- Training of Farmers to use improved technology. Training tools are literature, lectures, interactive meetings and audio visuals.
- Increase seed replacement ratio and make available good quality seed.
- Seed Multiplication Programme.
- Agri Extension Services.
Services rendered by SOPA
- Offers Agri-extension and Technical Support to farmers for enhancing productivity and production.
- Organize training Programs for farmers.
- Undertake Crop-Survey.