Best Soybean Harvest Time for Indian Farmers
Soybean harvest time is a very important step for every farmer. In India, the right time to harvest is usually October to November. If you harvest at the correct stage, you get more yield, better-quality grains, and a good market price.
If you harvest too early, the seeds stay small and light. If you harvest late, the pods can break, the seeds can crack, and the grain quality becomes low. Understanding soybean harvest time helps farmers decide when to cut, ensuring safe storage and higher profits.
Soybean Growth Stages and Maturity
Soybean plants go through several growth stages. The most important for harvest are the reproductive stages R6 to R8:
1. Germination (Seed Sprouting)
The seed sprouts, and a small plant comes out of the soil.
2. Leaf Growth (Early Stage)
- The plant starts making new leaves.
- More leaves = stronger plant.
3. Flowering
- Small flowers appear on the plant.
- This is a very important stage; do not let the crop face stress or lack of nutrients.
4. Pod Formation
- Flowers turn into small pods.
- More pods mean more yield.
5. Seed Filling
- Seeds inside the pods start growing and becoming heavier.
- Good moisture helps seeds fill properly.
6. Maturity
- The plant turns yellow and starts drying.
- Pods become brown/tan in colour.
- This means the crop is close to harvest.
7. Harvest Time
- Soybeans are generally ready in 90–110 days.
- Harvesting at the right time gives better grain quality and higher weight.
Best Soybean Harvest Time in India
Farmers can use simple field observations to decide when to harvest:
- Soybeans are ready for harvest 3–4 months after sowing (June to July for sowing and Sept to November harvest).
- Leaves start turning yellow and falling – this is the first sign of maturity.
- Pods become dry and brown – this means the crop is almost ready.
- Plants are ready 7–10 days after they turn yellow – check pods to confirm.
- Ideal seed moisture is around 15% for safe drying and storage.
- Most harvest happens from October–November in India.
- Farmers sow it in June–July with the start of rains.
- Cool and dry weather in October–November is best.
- Avoid harvesting when it rains, as it increases seed damage.
- Different varieties take different days (90 to 145 days), so timing may change.
- Major soybean states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan follow the same monsoon cycle.
These signs are practical for farmers who may not have moisture meters. Observing pods, leaves, and seeds gives a clear indication of soybean harvest time.
Soybean Harvesting Methods
Soybeans can be harvested manually or with a combine harvester:
- Manual Harvesting
Small farmers cut the soybean plants by hand using a sickle. They cut the plant close to the ground. This method gives clean grains and reduces crop loss.
- Mechanical Harvesting
Big farmers use a combine harvester. It cuts the plant and separates the grains quickly. The machine must be set correctly so the seeds do not break.
Tips to Optimize Soybean Harvest Time
Farmers can follow these simple tips:
- For better yield, strong plants, and smooth harvesting, always use soybean seeds like AVANTIKA and PUSHPA
- Check which field is ready first. Harvest the mature and dry fields earlier so you don’t miss the right time.
- Make sure the combined parts, especially the blades and cutter bar, are sharp and working properly.
- Most losses happen at the machine head.
- Keep reel speed just a little faster than your moving speed.
- For fallen or bent plants, harvest slightly at an angle so plants enter the machine smoothly.
- Green stems are harder to cut, so wait a bit until they dry if possible.
- Dry the soyabean in the field for 2–3 days to reduce moisture to around 10–12%.
- Clean, sort, and store grains in clean, dry, pest-free bags.
Following these tips can increase yield, reduce losses, and improve quality
Conclusion
The right soybean harvest time helps farmers get a good yield, clean grains, and a better price. By checking pod color, leaf fall, seed hardness, and moisture, and preparing the field properly, farmers can harvest on time and reduce losses
If you want a good soybean crop, start with strong and high-yielding seeds. SKB Seeds offers India’s best soybean varieties, including AVANTIKA and PUSHPA These hybrid seeds grow well, give more pods, and help farmers get better income.
They are healthy, strong, and suitable for Indian farm conditions. So, for a better harvest and more profit, get India’s Best Soybean Varieties seeds from SKB Seeds.
FAQS
1. How long does it take to harvest soybeans in India?
Soybeans in India are usually harvested from October–November, mainly in October.
2. In which month do soybeans grow?
Soybeans grow during the Kharif season, June to September.
3. Do soybeans need a lot of sunlight?
Yes, soybeans need 6–8 hours of full sunlight every day.
4. When to stop watering soybeans?
Stop watering when the crop reaches the R6 stage, and the soil already has enough moisture.
Admin: SKB Seeds