Madhya Pradesh No Longer Holds the Top Spot in Soybean Production - Equations Changing in the Agricultural Sector
Bhopal/New Delhi
A major shift has been observed in the Indian agricultural landscape. Madhya Pradesh, which for years was known as the 'Soy State', has now lost its top position in soybean production. According to recent agricultural data (ECONOMIC SURVEY 2025-26), Madhya Pradesh has slipped to second place, while Maharashtra has taken the lead, securing the first position.
This change is not only reflected in government statistics but also tells the story of the changing dominance of states on the country's agricultural map.
1. Soybean Production - How did Maharashtra Overtake MP?
For a long time, Madhya Pradesh was the undisputed king of soybean production. But in recent years, Maharashtra has significantly increased its production capacity. According to the data:
1. First Place - Maharashtra
2. Second Place - Madhya Pradesh
The main reasons behind this are believed to be pest attacks on the soybean crop in Madhya Pradesh, uncertain rainfall due to climate change, and farmers shifting to other profitable crops (such as maize and horticulture). Meanwhile, the increase in soybean acreage and the use of improved seeds in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra have made it number one.
2. Pulses and Food Grains - MP's Performance in Other Crops
Although it has suffered a setback in soybean production, Madhya Pradesh has maintained its strength in other areas.
Total Food Grains
Uttar Pradesh (UP) still holds the first position in total food grain production across the country. Due to its vast geographical area and the fertile plains of the Ganges, surpassing UP is a challenge for any state. Madhya Pradesh is in second place in this list, which is a commendable achievement.
Maize and Pulses
The good news for Madhya Pradesh is that it is still a leader in some crops:
* Maize - Madhya Pradesh is in first place in this category. *. Total Pulses - Madhya Pradesh maintains its strong hold on the first (1st) position in the production of pulses.
3. Oilseeds and Cash Crops - Rajasthan and Gujarat dominate
When it comes to oilseed crops other than soybean, the equation is quite different:
* Total Oilseeds - In this category, Rajasthan is in the first position, while Madhya Pradesh is in the second (2nd) position. The massive production of mustard has given Rajasthan this advantage.
* Mustard - Rajasthan is unparalleled in this as well.
* Groundnut - Gujarat remains in the first position in groundnut production due to its soil and climate, while Madhya Pradesh is in the third (3rd) position.
4. State-wise Comparative Details of Major Crops (Table)
You can easily understand the position of different states from the table given below:
Crop First State Madhya Pradesh Crop Rank
Soybean Maharashtra Second (2nd)
Total Foodgrains Uttar Pradesh Second (2nd)
Maize Madhya Pradesh First (1st)
Total Pulses Madhya Pradesh First (1st)
Total Oilseeds Rajasthan Second (2nd)
Wheat Uttar Pradesh Second (2nd)
Cotton Maharashtra -
Sugarcane Uttar Pradesh -
Groundnut Gujarat Third (3rd)
5. Wheat and Other Cereals - A close competition
In the case of wheat, there is always a tough competition between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Currently, Uttar Pradesh is in the first position, while Madhya Pradesh is in the second position. Madhya Pradesh's 'Sharbati wheat' is famous worldwide, but in terms of total quantity, UP takes the lead.
On the other hand, when it comes to coarse grains, Rajasthan is in the first position, and Madhya Pradesh is in the third position. Rajasthan is unmatched in grains like bajra and jowar.
6. Cotton and Jute - Dominance of the West and East
In commercial crops -
* Cotton - There is always a competition between Maharashtra and Gujarat; currently, Maharashtra is in the first position.
* Jute and Mesta - West Bengal (WB) has a near-monopoly in this, as its climate is best suited for jute cultivation.
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