Soybean Seed Production in Asia

Abstract

Soybean is a major crop in Asia, but production is short of that needed for oil and protein. The soybean faces many production constraints; a major factor limiting increases in production and yield is simply the lack of good quality seed of improved cultivars. Soybean seed must be produced, harvested, threshed, dried, processed, stored and distributed with special care, employing high technology and special attention to timely performance. There has been considerable Asian interest in “security seedstocks”, to supply farmers stricken by all too common disasters, such as drought and flood. Soybean seed production and supply in Asia, produced by small farmers under hot humid tropical or semi-tropical climates, is plagued with low seed quality, rapid loss of germination, poor storability, loss of lots, and high costs. Technical requirements for seed in hot humid areas are very restrictive; minor delays or oversights result in serious losses.