Soybean prices weaken as mustard moves higher

Soybean prices weakened across key markets on Monday as subdued demand and expectations of improved supplies weighed on sentiment, while mustard strengthened on firm buying.

In Visavadar, Gujarat, soybean fell ₹700 to ₹5,500–₹6,000 per 100 kg, with arrivals at 2.7 tonnes. Ratlam prices declined ₹300 to ₹3,125–₹7,250, while arrivals remained around 2.2 tonnes. Poor-quality old stocks have attracted limited buying, while an encouraging kharif crop outlook has added pressure. Soybean acreage stood at nearly 12 million hectares, up 0.2% year on year. 

Overall oilseed sowing exceeded 18 million hectares, rising 3%, while groundnut acreage jumped 8.6% to 4.7 million hectares. Groundnut fell ₹250 to ₹3,350–₹8,000 in Ratlam but gained ₹500 to ₹6,000–₹6,500 in Visavadar.

Mustard strengthened across Rajasthan. Kota prices rose ₹200 to ₹8,000–₹8,200, while Jaipur gained ₹75 to ₹8,475–₹8,500.The soybean crop remains broadly healthy across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, with satisfactory rainfall and crop development supporting expectations of improved production. Soybean prices could remain under pressure as improved sowing strengthens supply expectations, while firm demand and tighter arrivals may keep mustard comparatively well supported.