Vegetable Soybean: A Crop with Immense Potential to Improve Human Nutrition and Diversify Cropping Systems in Eastern India- A Review

Vegetable soybean was introduced into Jharkhand state in India to provide local communities with an alternative protein source as well as to diversify the cropping system. The paper covers the introduction of the crop, testing of different lines in farmers’ fields, a taste survey, the release of a vegetable soybean cultivar and its popularization, and seed production by the community. The acceptance of the crop by the local community has led to seed production of the cultivar ‘Swarna Vasundhara’ by farmers. A major challenge is to expand beyond household level consumption and local Jharkhand markets to create awareness among other consumers and establish a larger market throughout India for the crop. Infrastructure such as cold storage facilities will be required to support a viable value chain for vegetable soybean. The good progress made in Jharkhand has given greater hope of expanding vegetable soybean production and consumption across India, particularly in the major grain soybean growing states.