Marathwada Soybean Yields Plummet to 2.2 Quintals per Hectare
Farmers in Maharashtra's Marathwada region face devastating losses as soybean crops yield only a fraction of expected harvests due to severe drought.
Soybean yields in Marathwada drop to 2.2 quintals per hectare, far below the normal 6-8 quintals.
The region received only 445mm of rainfall during the monsoon, significantly less than the normal 679.5mm.
Experts warn that the economic fallout from the crop failure will severely impact local farmers and commerce.
In Maharashtra's Marathwada region, farmers are grappling with alarming soybean crop failures, with yields plummeting to an average of 2.2 quintals per hectare. This stark decline comes as government assessors report that many fields have produced virtually no harvest at all. The situation is particularly dire for farmer MA Qureshi from Kendurmala village in Dharashiv district, who has expressed deep concern over the financial implications of this year's crop.
The ongoing drought has turned 2026 into one of the worst years for soybean cultivation in Maharashtra, a key kharif crop for the state. Soybean was planted across 49.5 lakh hectares, with nearly half of this area located in Marathwada, which has been officially declared drought-hit. The region's agricultural officers have noted that some farms have yielded nothing, with empty soybean pods being a common sight during crop assessments.
Agriculture expert Milind Deshmukh emphasized that the soybean crop is particularly vulnerable to moisture stress during critical growth stages, such as flowering and pod formation. He explained that while initial rainfall may support early growth, it cannot compensate for prolonged dry spells later in the season. Data indicates that Marathwada's eight districts received only 445mm of rainfall this monsoon, a significant drop from the normal 679.5mm, and far below last year's 947mm.
The economic implications of this crop failure are severe, particularly for small and marginal farmers who rely heavily on soybean for their livelihoods. Experts warn that the drop in yields will adversely affect farmers' incomes, their ability to repay loans, and overall economic activity in the region. Activist Sardarsingh Thakur pointed out that many farmers lack irrigation systems, making them entirely dependent on rainfall, which has been inconsistent this year.
Looking ahead, the situation remains precarious for Marathwada's farmers. With ongoing assessments revealing the extent of the damage, officials have indicated that those affected will be eligible for crop insurance benefits. However, experts like Deshmukh stress the need for long-term solutions, including drought-resistant crop varieties and improved irrigation practices, to mitigate the impact of future droughts on agriculture in the region.
