The ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, organized a Soybean Harvest Day on 9 October 2026 to assess the yield potential of improved soybean varieties NRC 200 68 and NRC 200 70 developed by the Institute. Preliminary data obtained after harvesting one acre each under the two varieties indicate encouraging yields of approximately 20 quintals per hectare, which is significant given that India's current average soybean productivity is approximately 10–11 quintals per hectare. This assessment is particularly important for understanding varietal performance under adverse weather conditions and evaluating the potential for enhancing soybean productivity nationwide.
Research and trials conducted across the country by ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute and under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean indicate that yields of 15–20 quintals per hectare can be achieved by adopting improved varieties and appropriate production technologies. Under favorable conditions, yields may potentially reach approximately 22–25 quintals per hectare.
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, stated that the indications of yields of approximately 20 quintals per hectare from NRC 200 68 and NRC 200 70 despite adverse weather conditions were highly encouraging. He emphasized that scientific analysis of these data would help guide future research strategies aimed at increasing soybean productivity.
The Director of ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute explained that the significance of the data extends beyond assessing single-year yields. Systematic collection and analysis of data over several years will help understand productivity changes across different regions, varieties, and production conditions. This will provide a scientific basis for assessing annual improvements in productivity and estimating future yield enhancement potential. Long-term data will also be useful in evaluating the effectiveness of research and technology dissemination efforts.
The Institute regularly organizes such events to assess actual yield potential of different soybean varieties, understand the impact of improved technologies, and disseminate information on high-yielding varieties and scientific production practices to farmers. This initiative helps strengthen coordination among soybean research, agricultural extension services, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to farmers. The primary objective was to establish a scientific basis for enhancing productivity through systematic collection of yield data, which will be further analyzed to develop better understanding of varietal performance and production condition influences.