Improved varieties of soybean to be developed using genome editing to boost production: Chouhan

Indore, Jun 26 (PTI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the government will develop improved varieties of soybean using genome editing technology to boost the yield of this oilseed crop.

Speaking at a meeting of stakeholders at the National Soybean Research Institute here, the productivity of soybean in India has come to a stagnation point, while several other countries report a higher yield.

India does not use genetically modified (GM) soybean seeds like Brazil, but it will adopt genome editing techniques to create high-yielding improved varieties, the former MP chief minister said.

Genome editing is a technology that allows specific changes to a plant's DNA sequence, enabling the introduction of desired traits in crops.

Chouhan stressed the need to raise productivity and reduce the cost of soybean cultivation.

Research projects will be tailored to the needs of soybean farmers and cultivation practices will be revised accordingly, he added.

"Soybean is a major source of protein. We will promote the production of quality soybean-based products in the country and also boost soybean meal exports," Chouhan stated.

When asked what measures the government intends to take to curb large-scale imports of palm oil, the minister said, "The government strikes a balance on this matter from time to time." "In order to meet the domestic demand, we have had to import edible oils in the last few years. However, through our import-export policy, we are ensuring that the interests of both farmers and consumers are protected," he added.

Currently, India imports over 60 per cent of its edible oil requirements.

On the issue of farmers in the country receiving low prices due to import of cheap oil, Chouhan assured that soybean procurement will be done at the minimum support price (MSP).

The Centre has fixed the MSP for soybean at R 5,328 per quintal for the 2025-26 kharif marketing season, up by Rs 436 from Rs 4,892 per quintal in the last season. PTI HWP LAL NP