Soybean seed

The soybean is one of the richest and is a staple in the diets of people, animals in many parts of the world. Soybean pods usually contain one to three seeds each and there are large variations in seed shape, color and size.

Soybeans serve as one of the most valuable agri-crops in the world and the world production of soybeans is predicted to increase annually by 2.2 percent to about 371.3 million tons by 2030.

USA accounts for 34 percent of the world’s soybean production and USA produces about 108.0 million metric tons annually. Brazil stands as the second largest producer of soybeans and produces 30 percent of the global crop.

Other major soybean seed producing countries include Argentina, China, India, Paraguay, Canada, Ukraine, Bolivia and Uruguay.

China, Mexico, Netherlands, Japan, Thailand and the EU are the major consumers of Soybeans.

There are three types of soybeans worldwide and the soybean types are green soybeans, mature soybeans and dried soybeans.

Soybeans for fresh use takes 45 to 65 days from planting to reach harvest whereas Dry soybeans require 100 days or more typically.

The by-products of soybean seed are curd, milk and flour, oil, sauces, vodka, soap, cosmetics, infant formulas, resins, plastics, inks, crayons, solvents and clothing etc. Soybean seeds are also used in industrial products.