Preview of USIPA India Soybean Production & Soy Foods Outlook

Randy Duckworth, executive director of U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance (USIPA)/Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA), attended the eighth International Soy Conclave in Indore, India, Oct. 8-9.  

During the conference, Duckworth engaged with industry leaders to assess the current landscape and outlook of India’s soybean sector. Duckworth is preparing a report about discussion from the event. The special report highlights a year of significant change and challenge: India’s 2025 soybean crop was sharply affected by floods, disease and a nationwide push toward alternative crops like corn (for ethanol use), leading to a 16% decline in production – especially in top states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Soybean prices remain well below India’s minimum support levels, with inconsistent quality further impacting profitability for farmers and processors.

The country’s feed industry is rapidly shifting to corn-based alternatives, reducing domestic demand for soymeal, while edible oil extraction from soybeans continues to drop – fueling increased soy imports from African sources. India’s soyfood sector, however, is on an upswing. Urbanization, rising health awareness and evolving dietary habits are driving growth in tofu, soymilk and textured vegetable protein (TVP) among urban and younger consumers, despite challenges in quality and supply chain infrastructure.

Duckworth’s presentation at the Conclave, supported by case studies from Asia, outlined economic and traceability benefits for food processors using U.S. identity preserved (IP) soybeans. The report points to strong strategic opportunities for U.S. exporters: targeted imports of high-quality, non-GMO IP soybeans could help India’s rapidly growing soy foods sector meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory standards. SSGA continues to advocate for U.S.-India trade negotiations that would facilitate a duty-free quota of U.S. IP soybeans, unlocking potential for both Indian processors and American growers.

Key findings, market insights and recommendations for SSGA members will be available in the full report distributed next week.