Miracle Crop: The Present and Future of Soybean Production in Pakistan

Abstract

Soybean is annual oilseed crop of family Leguminosae and mainly grown for edible seeds. It is the most economical source of protein (40%) for human food and animal feed. The seeds also contain 18-22% edible oil and fulfil the demand of food industry. In 2016, globally soybean crop was planted on 120.48 million hectares and 351.74 million metric tons of the seed was produced. USA is the largest producer with 117.20 million metric tons followed by Brazil 114 million metric tons and Argentina 57.80 million metric tons (MMT). According to USDA estimate, worldwide soybean production for 2017-18 is expected to reach 347.4 million metric tons.1 Today, most of the world’s soybeans are crushed or processed into soybean meal and oil. It is estimated that 2% of soybean production is consumed by humans directly as food, which amounts to an approximately 3 MMT. In Pakistan Soybean oil production increased up to 260 (Tons) in year 2017 as compared to 240 (Tons) in 2016.2