With increasing burden on the state’s agriculture sector and water resources due to paddy-wheat cycle, there has been a chorus for shifting to alternative crop options. The state government has, time and again, urged farmers here to break away from the paddy-wheat cycle.
Suggesting a solution, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here has championed soybean as the “golden bean” that can help conserve water, enrich soil fertility and diversify cropping systems.
PAU experts point out soybean has almost 40 per cent protein content and around 20 per cent oil, which make it a viable cropping option.
They said its yield potential ranges from 6.1 to 7.3 quintals per acre, making it a sustainable alternative that fits well into the state’s evolving agricultural landscape.
Soybean requires less water as compared to paddy, offers nutritional benefits and improves soil health because of its leguminous nature.
“Soybean is not just another oilseed, it is a crop that can break the monotony of paddy-wheat cycle, and give farmers economic and ecological gains,” said Harpreet Kaur Virk, senior agronomist from the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PAU.
“Its lower water consumption makes it particularly relevant in view of the state’s current scenario, where groundwater is depleting fast,” she added.
Vajinder Pal Kalra, agronomist from the PAU, said the university has developed its seed varieties.
“We have developed and recommended varieties that are resistant to major diseases, like yellow mosaic virus and stem fly. With proper field preparation, seed treatment and nutrient management, farmers can achieve yields of up to 7 quintals per acre,” he added.
Soybean offers farmers a pathway to sustainable agriculture conserving water, enriching soils and opening new market opportunities. Experts say adoption of recommended practices can ensure high productivity and profitability while aligning with the state’s long-term ecological goals.
Recommended varieties
SL 958: Shining light yellow grains, highly resistant to yellow mosaic virus with average yield of 7.3 quintals per acre
SL 744: Large light brown grains, resistant to yellow mosaic virus with average yield of 7.3 quintals per acre
SL 525: Dull light brown grains with grey hilum, resistant to stem fly, moderately resistant to root-knot nematode with yield of 6.1 quintals per acre
Watch out
Field preparation: Ploughing field two to three times, followed by planking.
Seed rate and sowing: 30 to 35 kg seed per acre sown in rows 45 cm apart.
Weed management: Hoeing at
20 and 40 days or use of pendimethalin/imazethapyr sprays.
Irrigation: 3 to 4 cycles with pod-filling stage being critical.
Harvesting: When pods change colour to avoid shattering losses
