Sopa sticks to 108 lakh tonne soya output

NEW DELHI: Sticking to its earlier soyabean output estimate of 108 lakh tonne, Indore-based industry body Soyabean Processors Association (Sopa) has said lower arrivals in the mandis do not indicate a decline in production as farmers are still holding 40-50% of crops for better realisation.

Reacting to reports that soyabean production may decline to 90 lakh tonne, Sopa co-ordinator Rajesh Agrawal said the body is standing by the original estimate of the crop output which has been arrived at by scientific survey.

"We do not find any valid reason to revise the crop estimate downward simply because the arrivals are low," said Mr Agrawal.

He said farmers are still holding 40-50% of soyabean crops. "While there may be differences in assessment by different people but Sopa will stand by its own numbers ��� 108 lakh tonne."

The organisation will assess the final production figure only at the end of the season, he added.

The wholesale prices of soyabean are ruling at Rs 2,125-2,150 per quintal as on January 16 at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, the largest producing state.