Soya bean is a legume crop, it is economically more important as an oilseed than a pulse. It is grown in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. The major producers are U.S, Brazil and Argentina. Soy oil and meal are consumed worldwide as food and animal feedstuff respectively.

The global soya bean production on an average is at 230.17 million tons during the last five years (2005-06 to 2009-10). The growth rate in world soya bean production is seen at 1.96%. The annual world soya bean production in 2009-10 was around 260.11 million tons with an area of 101.95 million hectares. US accounts for 32% of world soya bean production, while Brazil accounts for 28%, Argentina 22%, China 6% and India contributes only 4% to the total global soya bean production. Production of soya bean has rapidly increased during the last 10 years with higher price realization. Average annual global soya bean export is around 72.5 million tons and import is averaged at 71.6 million tons. China is the largest importer accounting of around half of total imports, followed by India, EU-27, Mexico, etc.

Soya bean forms a significant position as a Kharif oilseed in Indian agriculture with an average production of 8.63 million tons (2004-05 to 2009-10) and ranks 5th in the list of the leading soya bean producing countries. The annual soya bean production in 2009-10 is estimated at around 10.05 million tons with an area of 9.79 million hectares. Madhya Pradesh contributes about 56% of the total production with 55% acreage followed by Maharashtra (30%) and Rajasthan (10%),Andhra Pradesh (2%) and Others (2.6%). Indore market serves as the reference market for soya bean. October onwards soya bean starts entering the market. Crushing of oil and meal start from October and peak during the consequent two-three months. Soy meal in India has a greater demand for exports. In 2009-10, soy meal exports were reported to be around 55.21 million tons. Annual consumption of soya bean in India is around 8.37 million tons.