Scientists say rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable: The wider industry impact

A soybean field in rural Pune

Agricultural scientists who have developed soybean varieties said nearly one-fifth of the seed has oil and 40% is protein. Agricultural universities recommend maintaining seed moisture around 9-10% for long-term storage. Because of their chemical composition, the seeds readily absorb atmospheric moisture.

Satish Nichal, head of Regional Research Centre, Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth in Amravati, told TOI , “As climate variability increases, maintaining seed quality has become challenging for both seed producers and farmers. During India’s monsoon months, improperly stored seed can quickly cross the safe moisture limit, BU Dupare, principal scientist from National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, said. Higher pre-harvest temperatures can affect seed maturity, while excessive rainfall during harvesting increases seed moisture. Delayed drying further accelerates deterioration. Frequent fluctuations between dry and humid weather during storage also shorten seed life. Scientists say rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable monsoon conditions are making soybean seed preservation even more difficult. Other experts say careful handling throughout the seed production chain, from harvesting to warehouse storage, is essential to maintain seed quality. Poor germination has become a recurring concern in soybean-growing states of Maharashtra , Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan , particularly in erratic monsoon years. Soybean seed unlike wheat, chickpea, or pigeon pea, rapidly deteriorates under unsuitable temperature and humidity conditions. Both assets make it valuable for food and animal feed, but reduce its storage life. Even small increases in moisture can substantially reduce viability over several months. Storage temperature also plays a crucial role. High temperatures accelerate ageing by increasing biochemical reactions inside the seed. Every seed contains living cells protected by delicate membranes. During prolonged storage under warm and humid conditions, these membranes gradually lose their integrity. When such aged seeds are sown, they either fail to germinate or produce weak seedlings incapable of surviving heavy rainfall or dry spells.