Soybean varieties NRC 268, NRC 270 yield about 20 q/ha: ICAR-NSRI
Why in the news
ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute (NSRI), Indore, reported on 13 October 2026 that its improved varieties NRC 268 and NRC 270 gave about 20 quintals per hectare at its Soybean Harvest Day, even in adverse weather.
Key facts
- Varieties: NRC 268 and NRC 270, both bred by ICAR-NSRI, Indore.
- Soybean Harvest Day: held on 9 October 2026; one acre of each variety was harvested to measure yield.
- Yield: about 20 q/ha (preliminary), roughly double the national average.
- Yield gap: trials by the institute and the All India Coordinated Research Project on Soybean show 15-20 q/ha is reachable with improved varieties and practices.
- The data will be analysed further before final conclusions.
| Soybean yield level | Quintals per hectare |
|---|---|
| Current national average | about 10-11 |
| Achievable with improved varieties and technology | 15-20 |
| NRC 268 and NRC 270 (Harvest Day 2026) | about 20 |
| Potential in favourable conditions | about 22-25 |
About ICAR-NSRI
The National Soybean Research Institute in Indore works under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It holds harvest days regularly to check yield potential, measure the impact of new technology and share high-yield practices with farmers. Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, called the results highly encouraging and said the data will shape future research. The institute’s director stressed the need for data over several years across regions and conditions.
Exam angle
- ICAR-NSRI is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
- National soybean productivity is only about 10-11 q/ha, showing a wide yield gap.
- NRC 268 and NRC 270 are the new high-yield soybean varieties in the news.