Varietal preference of soybean growers

Introduction

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) is one of the most important leguminous oilseed crops globally, valued for its high protein and oil content. Originating in East Asia and domesticated from its wild progenitor Glycine soja, soybean has spread worldwide and plays a vital role in food, feed and industrial sectors. In India, soybean has emerged as a major kharif crop, contributing significantly to edible oil production, nutritional security and rural livelihoods. The crop's adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, short duration and suitability for rainfed farming systems have supported its widespread cultivation. However, soybean productivity is highly influenced by varietal performance, as no single variety is universally adapted across regions. Farmers' varietal preferences are shaped by factors such as yield potential, crop duration, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, seed quality traits and market demand. Selection of appropriate soybean varieties is therefore crucial for enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of soybean-based farming systems. Understanding varietal performance and farmers' preferences under specific agro-ecological conditions is essential for effective varietal dissemination and future breeding programs. This study aims to evaluate and identify suitable soybean varieties based on agronomic performance and farmer preference to support region-specific recommendations. The global soybean production during 2023-24 was estimated at 420.59 million metric tonnes (MMT). Brazil emerged as the largest producer, contributing 169.00 MMT (40.18%) of total world production, followed by the United States with 118.84 MMT (28.26%). Together, these two countries accounted for nearly 68.5% of global soybean output. Argentina ranked third with 49.00 MMT (11.65%). Among Asian countries, China produced 20.65 MMT (4.91%), while India contributed 12.60 MMT (3.00%) to global production. Other notable producers included Paraguay (2.54%), Canada (1.81%), Russia and Ukraine (1.66% each) and Bolivia (0.88%). The remaining countries collectively contributed 3.45% of global soybean production. During 2023-24, soybean in India occupied a total area of 12.48 million ha with a production of 12.60 million tonnes, recording an average productivity of 1009 kg ha -¹. Madhya Pradesh remained the leading soybean-growing state with the largest area (5.62 million ha) and production (5.38 million tonnes), though its productivity (956.82 kg ha -¹) was below the national average. Maharashtra ranked second in both area (4.76 million ha) and production (5.24 million tonnes) and recorded a relatively higher productivity (1100.77 kg ha -¹). Rajasthan occupied the third position in area (1.13 million ha) but showed lower productivity (816.38 kg ha -¹). Among the states, the highest productivity was observed in Bihar (1388.89 kg ha -¹), followed by Uttarakhand (1315.00 kg ha -¹) and Telangana (1247.22 kg ha -¹), despite their smaller area under cultivation. Overall, the results indicate that while central Indian states dominate soybean area and production, higher productivity levels are achieved in some non-traditional soybean-growing states During 2023-24, soybean in Maharashtra covered an area of 4.76 million ha with a total production of 5.24 million tonnes, registering an average productivity of 1100.77 kg ha -¹. Among the districts, Latur recorded the highest area (444.80 thousand ha) and production (523.20 thousand tonnes). Nanded, Buldhana and Dharashiv also contributed substantially to the state's soybean production, each with productivity exceeding 1170 kg ha -¹. The highest productivity was observed in Yavatmal (1380.64 kg ha -¹), followed by Ahilyanagar (1198.00 kg ha -¹) and Dharashiv (1194.81 kg ha -¹), indicating better yield performance in these districts. In contrast, relatively lower productivity was recorded in Akola (893.34 kg ha -¹) and Amravati (918.83 kg ha -¹) despite considerable area under cultivation.

Objectives of the Study

 To study the varietal preference of soybean growers

Methodology

The present study was conducted in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra, which was purposively selected due to its large area under soybean cultivation. Among the fourteen tahsils in the district, Kopargaon and Rahata tahsils were selected based on the highest area under soybean. From these tahsils, ten villages (five from each tahsil) having substantial soybean area were identified with the help of Taluka Agriculture Officers. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, as the variables under study had already occurred and were beyond the control of the researcher. A total of 120 soybean growers were selected using a proportionate random sampling technique in consultation with local extension personnel.

Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested structured interview schedule developed in line with the study objectives. The interview schedule was validated through expert consultation and pre-tested on non-sample respondents to ensure clarity and reliability. Collected data were scrutinized, coded and tabulated. Appropriate descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies and percentages were used for analysis and interpretation of the results.

Results and Discussion

Varietal Preference of Soybean Growers One of the major objectives of the study was to study the varietal preference of the respondents. This variable is assessed by examining the preferences of respondents for various soybean varieties.

Conclusion

The study on varietal preference of soybean growers in Ahilyanagar district revealed clear differences in farmers' choices among the selected soybean varieties. Phule Sangam emerged as the most preferred variety, receiving the highest proportion of first-rank preferences, indicating strong farmer acceptance due to its suitability under local agro-climatic conditions. Phule Durva and Phule Kimaya were ranked second and third, respectively, reflecting their stable performance and moderate adaptability as perceived by the respondents. The widely cultivated variety JS-335 occupied the fourth position, suggesting a gradual shift of farmers towards newer varieties. Phule Kalyani and Phule Agrani were comparatively less preferred, while 3344 (Green Gold) was identified as the least preferred variety, receiving the maximum number of lowest-rank responses.

Overall, the findings highlight that farmers' varietal preference is influenced by perceived yield performance, adaptability and acceptance in the local farming system. The study emphasizes the need for location-specific varietal promotion and strengthening extension efforts to encourage adoption of high-performing and farmer-preferred soybean varieties for enhancing productivity and profitability in the region.

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