24 Mar 2026

India’s poultry sector urges extension of soybean trade curbs

India’s soybean harvest faces sharp decline, prompting calls for continued NCDEX restrictions and imports genetically modified soybean meal.

Ricky Thaper

Joint Secretary of the Poultry Federation of India

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India’s soybean production for 2025-26 is projected at 12.72 million tons. The Soybean Processors Association (SOPA) has issued a more cautious estimate of 10.53 million tons, well below last year’s 12.58 million tons.

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service has also flagged concerns. Its forecast points to a 15% decline, with output expected to fall to 10.7 million tons. Reduced planting areas, unfavorable weather, and crop diversification are cited as key reasons behind this sharp drop.

Feed supply under pressure

This lower output is expected to directly affect the supply of soybean meal. As a protein-rich ingredient, soybean meal is essential for poultry feed, dairy feed, shrimp feed, and fish feed. Any disruption in its availability could raise costs and strain farmers who depend on affordable feed to sustain their operations.

The poultry industry views this situation as a serious risk. Rising feed prices not only threaten profitability but also risk destabilizing the broader livestock and aquaculture sectors.

Industry calls for import relief

To address the shortfall, Ricky Thaper, Joint Secretary of the Poultry Federation of India, emphasized the need for immediate government action. He explained that the industry and associations have urged the Department of Animal Husbandry and the Department of Commerce & Industries to permit imports of 1.5 million tons of genetically modified soybean meal this year.

Such imports, they argue, would ensure an uninterrupted supply of protein-rich feed and help stabilize the market during a period of declining domestic production.

Extending NCDEX restrictions

The government’s earlier suspension of soybean trading on NCDEX proved effective in curbing speculative activity and stabilizing prices. However, this restriction is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2026.

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Industry associations now seek an extension of the ban on soybean futures trading. They believe that continuing restrictions will prevent volatility, shield farmers from sudden price hikes, and maintain stability in the feed market.

“These interventions will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of poultry, aquaculture, and livestock farmers nationwide,” Mr Thaper added, underscoring the importance of government support in navigating the challenges ahead.

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