Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), organised a Soybean Harvest Day on 9 October 2026. On this occasion, the yield potential of the improved soybean varieties NRC 200 68 and NRC 200 70, developed by the Institute, was assessed. Preliminary data obtained after harvesting one acre each under the two varieties indicate encouraging yields of approximately 20 quintals per hectare. This assessment is important for understanding the performance of improved varieties under adverse weather conditions and evaluating the potential for enhancing soybean productivity in the country. At present, the average soybean productivity in India is approximately 10–11 quintals per hectare.
Research and trials conducted across the country by ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute and under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean indicate that yields of 15–20 quintals per hectare can be achieved by adopting improved varieties and appropriate production technologies. Under favourable conditions, yields may potentially reach approximately 22–25 quintals per hectare.
Appreciating these preliminary findings, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said that improved varieties and scientific production technologies play a significant role in enhancing soybean productivity in the country. He stated that the indications of yields of approximately 20 quintals per hectare from NRC 200 68 and NRC 200 70, despite adverse weather conditions this year, were highly encouraging. He further emphasised that the scientific analysis of these data would help guide future research strategies aimed at increasing soybean productivity.
The Director of ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, stated that the significance of the data collected during Soybean Harvest Day extends beyond assessing the yield of a single year. Systematic collection and analysis of data over several years will help understand changes in productivity across different regions, varieties and production conditions. This will provide a scientific basis for assessing annual improvements in productivity and estimating the potential for future yield enhancement. Long-term data will also be useful in evaluating the effectiveness of research and technology dissemination efforts.
The Institute regularly organises such events to assess the actual yield potential of different soybean varieties, understand the impact of improved technologies, and disseminate information on high-yielding varieties and scientific production practices to farmers. This initiative will help strengthen coordination among soybean research, agricultural extension services and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to farmers.
The primary objective of the Soybean Harvest Day was to assess the yield potential of improved varieties and establish a scientific basis for enhancing productivity through the systematic collection of yield data. The data obtained from the harvest will be analysed further to develop a better understanding of varietal performance and the influence of different production conditions.
[PIB]