DG, ICAR Visits ICAR-NSRI, Indore and Reviews Soybean Research Activities

9 June 2026, Indore

Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, visited the ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore today and reviewed the progress of soybean research and related activities.

During the review meeting, Dr Jat emphasized the need for focused research and strategic interventions to enhance soybean productivity and sustainability. He suggested several action points, including mapping of seed production sites to identify conventional and non-conventional seed production areas; quantifying the effects of seed treatment on crop yield and assessing the scale of seed treatment practices adopted at farmers’ fields along with the production and availability status of bio-agents; identifying determinants responsible for yield gaps in soybean; assessing the status of mechanization in soybean cultivation; studying the degree of soil compaction resulting from continuous soybean cultivation and the impact of rotary tillage on soil health; and analysing the current trends in shifting soybean cultivation areas.

Dr D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, highlighted several challenges associated with soybean cultivation and appreciated the institute for achieving breeder seed production beyond the projected indent. However, he emphasized the need to minimize varietal mismatch through coordinated efforts. He informed that funds for the project on high-yielding seed would be released shortly and advised the institute to work collectively to achieve the project goals within the stipulated timeframe. He also suggested reviewing the institute’s expenditure status every month for efficient utilization of the budget.

Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, expressed concern over the critical status of soybean production in the country and stressed the need to disseminate improved production technologies across all soybean-growing districts.

During the interaction, detailed discussions were held on issues related to the availability of breeder and quality seed, use of machinery in soybean cultivation, seed treatment techniques, and weed management practices.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair delivered by Dr Shiv Kumar, Director, ICAR-NSRI, Indore.

(Source: ICAR-National Soyabean Research Institute, Indore)