Bangladesh: Oilseeds and Products Annual
Soybean area and production levels for MY 2018/19 (July-June) are projected to increase to 80 thousand hectares (HA) and 152 thousand metric tons (MT) respectively, due to a switch from Boro rice production. Post’s soybean planting area and production estimates for MY 2017/18 are lowered to 60 thousand HA and 114 thousand MT due to unsuitable conditions for planting at the optimal time, and the shift of land to Boro rice cultivation due to an expected higher harvest price. MY 2018/19 soybean and soymeal imports are estimated to increase to 1.1 MMT and 550 thousand respectively, to keep pace with demand in the feed industry, as well as growth in the livestock and fisheries sectors. The import of edible oil for MY 2018/19 is forecast at 2.4 MMT on expected lower international prices and fast growing demand by an increasing population.
