Drought-hit farmers can opt for Soybean cultivation
Source: Chronicle News Service / Sagolsem Bigyan

Imphal, September 01 2022: As the state is facing drought-like situation in different parts in the absence of rainfall and proper irrigation system, the affected farmers can opt for Soybean cultivation in those farmlands as an alternative solution to cover their loss.

Soybean (Glycine Max L) is rich in protein and can be used for edible oil production.

At the same time, it is one of the most popular legumes consumed in the form of Hawaijar (fermented Soybean) apart from being a preferred food of high protein diets and breakfast materials.

Cultivation of Soybean also improves soil health and fertility as it has nitrogen fixing capability.

Among the different varieties of Soybean, JS 335, RKS 18, JS 97-52, DSb 19, MACS 1460 and DSb 32 are suitable with the soil and climatic condition of the state as these varieties can grow and produce good harvest in 25 to 32 degree Celsius.

All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) Soybean, Central Agricultural University Imphal Centre has been putting efforts to enhance production of soybean in the state.

The centre is using its latest variety DSb 32, which is a high yield variety, and 55 kg of this seed variety when cultivated in one hectare of land can produce up to 2000 kg.

The seed should be treated with Thiram and Carbendazim mixed at the ratio of 2:1 for 3 kg of seeds after which, the treated seeds will be inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum.

Seeds should be sown in June last part and it can be harvested in November.

Plantation should be done in rows with a distance of 10 cm apart and at a depth of 2 to 3 cm.

AICRP Soybean CAU Imphal Centre has been conducting researches on production of new higher yield varieties, method of plantation, materials to be used, soil suitability and pest control mechanisms under the leadership of junior agronomist Dr T Sunanda (crop production), junior plant breeder Dr H Nanita (crop improvement), and junior entomologist Dr Nilima Karam (pest management) .

The latest variety DSb 32 is being cultivated in the farm of Yarsho Keishing (51) son of Ashung Keishing of Keihao village in Kangpokpi district.

The farmer has been able to earn healthy income from the practice as well as provide jobs to some of his fellow villagers.

Speaking to The People's Chronicle, Yarsho Keishing informed that he worked in an NGO but he resigned from it some years ago to become a farmer in his farmland measuring around three hectares.

As he was facing hardships in rice cultivation, he consulted agriculture experts for alternative farming practice.

In 2020, he met some scientists of AICRP Soybean CAU Imphal Centre and he began cultivation of Soybean DSb 32 variety from that year.

He underwent training at the centre, which also provided him the required inputs.

He was able to earn up to Rs 1.5 lakh in a year from Soybean cultivation.

There is no market shortage for Soybean as it is a popular legume.

Apart from earning his own income, he has also been able to provide jobs to some of his fellow villagers, Yarsho said.

(This article is published as part of the Media Fellowship Programme in Scientific Journalism under the sponsorship of Public Relations and Media Management Cell CAU Imphal.

For further details regarding this article, kindly contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, information and publicity officer of PRMM Cell, CAU through prmmcell@ gmail.com) .

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