The Hindu Business Line : Soya team to tour S. America

IN recent years, South America — represented chiefly by Brazil and Argentina — has made phenomenal progress in soyabean production so much so that this region's soyabean output has exceeded that of the US this year. Future growth prospects are rated high.

Consistent increase in South American soyabean production and the regions' rich experience in harnessing its natural agro-climatic advantage hold important lessons for India. Of primary concern is the yield differential.

While the two South American producers harvest 2,600 kg of soyabean per hectare, India is way behind at about 900 kg/ha.

No wonder, despite planting 55-60 lakh hectares, soyabean output in India is low.

In order to study first hand the rapid progress made by Brazil and Argentina and to look for experiences that can be applied to India, a 2-week intensive study tour of the two countries has been scheduled.

The four-member study team led by Mr O.P. Goel, Chairman of Indore-based SOPA Foundation, together with Dr P. S. Bhatnagar, noted expert and retired director of National Research Centre for soyabean and two representatives of ITC Ltd will visit Brazil and Argentina.

The team will not only study production and productivity issues but also explore possibility of mutual cooperation in exchange of information, availability of seed varieties with higher yield potential, more efficient use of bio-fertiliser etc.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
Contract model mooted for food processing

IFPRI to work with AP Govt.

S-W monsoon likely to be below normal

Kerala launches schemes to `trap' the monsoons

Silo project process set to resume — Food Ministry meeting with bidders today

Mango farmers plead for early end to truckers' strike

Rubber market turns listless

Assocham sees scope for more job generation

Panel for rollback of excise duty on packaged edible oil

Soya team to tour S. America