Soybean sowing begins in Sangli; shift to pulses may hit acreage.

Sowing of soybean has started in Sangli, Maharashtra, this week, with acreage likely to decline marginally as some farmers may shift to pulses seeking better realisation. Farmers in the district may shift to urad this year though the switch would not be at large scale. Subdued demand of soymeal in domestic and exports markets are weighing on the prices, which is discouraging farmers to go for higher sowing. Exports of soymeal are seen falling to 0.1 million tonne per month from over 0.15 million tonne a month during Dec-Mar.