Soybean markets across the country are witnessing a weak trend this week, primarily due to the aggressive selling by NAFED. In its auction held yesterday, NAFED offloaded around 49,000 tonnes of soybean, with 35,716 tonnes sold in Maharashtra alone. This large-scale sale has immediately put pressure on prices, clearly reflected in various markets. In Indore, prices ranged between ₹4000 to ₹4300, while in Dahod, they hovered between ₹4150 to ₹4300. In Maharashtra major processing hubs like Solapur, Latur, Kusanur, and Hingoli, average prices stood at ₹4580 to ₹4600, marking a decline of ₹20 per quintal compared to the previous day. As of 1st July, the combined stock with farmers and processors is estimated at 11.52 lakh tonnes, while NAFED still holds about 13.50 lakh tonnes. When compared to the expected crushing demand over the next three months, the available stock appears to be more than sufficient. It is estimated that 5-6 lakh tonnes could be carried forward. As for soybean sowing, the area has reached 95.045 lakh hectares, which is 10% lower than the same time last year. On the policy front, NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand has stated that India could, in principle, agree to the import of non-GM soybeans from the U.S., but current public and policymaker sentiment against GM crops makes such approval unlikely for now. Internationally, soybean futures on the CBOT fell on July 9, but showed a slight recovery on July 10. Soy meal prices rose by $2–2.4/ton, while soy oil recovered to 20.15–20.32 cents/pound. Global markets currently show no major movement. In India, the future trend of soybean prices will depend on NAFED’s sales strategy and monsoon progress. Prices currently remain below the MSP, but considering the rising prices of mustard, there could be a potential price rally in soybeans during the upcoming festive season.