Soybean acreage up 11% on yr at 9.4 mln ha.

Soybean acreage across the country was 9.35 mln ha, up 11% from the year-ago period. Rains being bountiful in key growing regions of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, sowing of the oilseed has increased. In Madhya Pradesh, soybean acreage was 11% higher on year at 4.44 mln ha as planting gained pace because the ideal sowing period ends by the third week of July. Planting of the oilseed is expected to be higher from a year ago due to higher minimum support price and adequate rains in major growing areas.