Soybeans as Queen of Pulses', and 'Meat without Bones'

Soybean has become an important crop over the past few decades due to its fast growth, high value, and versatility. It is the most economically significant oil seed crop globally, representing 80% of the area and 68% of the world's legume production. It is grown on 110 million hectares worldwide. Soybean is cultivated on a large scale in both temperate and tropical regions and has become a major agricultural crop and export commodity. 

Queen of Pulses

Despite being primarily cultivated for its oil and protein, soybean's recent growth and its crucial role in meeting the world's food, feed, and biofuel needs have made it a potential key player in global food security. It has several nutritional benefits and is known by various names, including 'golden bean', 'queen of pulses', and 'meat without bones'. Soybean seed contains 40-42% protein and 20-22% oil contents on a dry weight basis, along with carbohydrates, polysaccharides, and antioxidants like isoflavones, chlorogenic, isomers, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. 

However, soybean production has flat-lined or decreased in Pakistan over the past years due to various reasons including but not limited to lack of awareness and government support, redundant technology, availability of seed, biotic and abiotic stress and poor marketing strategies. Considering the increasing food demand, it is imperative that new initiatives and technology including hydroponics and the use of nano-particles as fertilizerz are adopted to fulfill these demands.