Varietal preference of soybean growers

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) is an important oilseed and leguminous crop contributing significantly to food, nutritional and livelihood security in India. The present study was undertaken to examine the varietal preference of soybean growers in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra. An ex-post facto research design was adopted and the study was conducted in Kopargaon and Rahata tahsils, which were purposively selected based on the highest area under soybean cultivation. A total of 120 soybean growers were selected using proportionate random sampling. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested structured interview schedule, and the data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results revealed distinct variations in varietal preferences among soybean growers. Phule Sangam emerged as the most preferred variety, securing the highest first-rank preference, followed by Phule Durva and Phule Kimaya, indicating better farmer acceptance due to their perceived yield performance and adaptability to local agro-climatic conditions. The commonly grown variety JS-335 ranked fourth, suggesting a gradual shift towards newer varieties. Phule Kalyani and Phule Agrani were comparatively less preferred, while 3344 (Green Gold) was identified as the least preferred variety. The study concludes that soybean varietal preference is primarily influenced by yield potential, adaptability and farmers’ field experience. The findings emphasize the need for region-specific varietal promotion and targeted extension interventions to enhance adoption of farmer-preferred soybean varieties and improve productivity and profitability in the study area.