Soybean Cultivation, Get complete information About Soybean cultivation

Soyabean is a potential kharif oilseed/legume crop. Soyabean is known for its nutritional richness and is recognized as a source of nourishment. Hence, it has been bestowed with the title of "golden bean." Soyabean belongs to the legume family, along with peas, clover, and dicotyledonous fruits. Each Soyabean plant produces 60 to 80 pods, with three pods of pea-sized seeds in each. It contains the highest-quality protein among all available sources, approximately 40% high-quality protein, and 20% oil, surpassing other sources of protein. If we analyze the nutritional elements and minerals found in Soyabeans, for every 100 grams of Soyabeans, an adequate quantity is obtained. Soyabean plants are hardy, well-suited for various types of soil and soil conditions. Considering the availability of protein, Soyabeans contribute significantly to our daily nutritional intake.

Impact of Weather on Soyabeans:

Most Soyabeans are cultivated during the primary wet season and adapt well to the upper soil layer, forming a rotational cropping cycle with crops like corn, pigeon pea, sesame, and peanuts. Soyabeans exhibit relative resistance to both low and high temperatures, but their growth rate decreases at higher temperatures. During the flowering period, fluctuations in temperature from year to year can lead to variations in yield. Soyabeans thrive in warm and humid climates. In northern India, Soyabean sowing can take place from the third week of June to the first week of July. The optimal temperature range for Soyabeans is 20-30 degrees Celsius. If water is readily available, Soyabeans can be cultivated throughout the year, both in the summer and winter seasons. For a successful Soyabean crop, approximately 400 to 500 mm of water is required during one season. While Soyabeans can withstand water logging for a short duration, excessive rainfall during the monsoon season poses a serious threat to seed germination.

Growth and Development of Soyabeans:

The appearance of Soyabean seeds can vary, but commonly they are round or oval and have a creamy texture. Soyabeans have a nodular root system, consisting of both branched nodules and fibrous roots. It is considered to be in a specific developmental stage when more than 50% of the plants in the field are at that stage. When sown in moisture, the seeds begin to absorb moisture almost immediately. Once it has absorbed about 50% of its weight in water, germination initiates. Germination commences, and roots start to develop. However, if there are pests, insects, or other factors like crust formation on the soil surface, germination may be hindered.
Soyabean production

Soyabean is a kharif crop and holds a prominent position in India's agricultural landscape at present. The historical development of this crop marks a unique history in terms of land utilization and production. While the average Soyabean productivity in the country stagnated at 1.1 ton/hectare in the past decade, some progressive farmers are achieving yields of up to 30 quintals/hectare, despite facing challenges posed by negative climatic conditions such as air pollution. Particularly in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, Soyabean production areas are grappling with the challenges of dry spells along with the documented heatwaves. Consequently, these states have witnessed an impact on production levels. The Soyabean market in Madhya Pradesh stands at 24.73 tons. In Rajasthan, the annual arrival of Soyabean plays a crucial role in the market, with a quantity of 326.5 tons contributing significantly to Kota's Soyabean distribution. Maharashtra's Soyabean market also accounts for 24.73 tons.

The Medicinal Significance of Soyabeans:

Due to the presence of protein and essential fatty acids in Soyabeans, it helps reduce the glucose levels in the blood, preventing anemia by inhibiting blood deficiency. Additionally, the higher iron content in Soyabeans helps control anemia. The protein found in Soyabeans also contributes to lowering harmful cholesterol levels in our bloodstream, reducing the likelihood of heart diseases. The isoflavones present in Soyabeans contribute to preventing diseases related to women and breast cancer. When processing Soyabeans in rural and urban areas, and when selecting initiatives, it is crucial to consider the importance of incorporating people's preferences and interests into the preparation of food items. It is advisable to establish Soyabean enterprises based on local traditions and align them with the local dietary habits and demands. This strategic approach could prove beneficial in meeting local demands and establishing a profitable Soyabean venture.

Uses of Soyabean:

• Soyabean flour can be mixed with wheat flour or chickpea flour to create various food items. Dried Soyabeans can also be ground with wheat or chickpeas.
• Soy paneer (tofu) is an excellent food item made from Soyabeans, and it is easily digestible. To prepare it, boil clean Soyabeans in water, let them soak in cold water for 3/4 hours, then grind them in a mixer with warm water in a 1:9 ratio. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth, boil the liquid substance similar to milk, add calcium chloride solution, and let it sit without stirring for 5 minutes. Finally, press and keep it wrapped in muslin cloth.
• Soyabean flour without fat is a great source of protein, containing 50-60% protein with a minimal bean odor. It can be easily used by mixing it with wheat flour to make various dishes.
• Papads (crispy lentil wafers) are commonly made from urad or moong dal. For making papads, Soyabean flour without fat can be prepared and mixed with other lentil flours.

Challenges in Soyabean Production:

• The majority of Soyabean cultivation is dependent on rainfall.
• Irregular behavior of the monsoon is impacting the sowing process.
• Soil moisture stress during critical stages, especially during the seed-filling phase, is a concern in the pivotal phases of development.
• High temperatures during crucial developmental stages pose a challenge.
• Limited mechanization.
• Adoption of advanced production techniques is lacking.