Indore, Mar 7 (UNI) Exports of soybean meal during February dropped 14 per cent at 4.59 lakh tonnes as against 5.35 lakh tonnes during the same period last year.

However, total exports of soybean meal from April 2006 to February 2007 went up by 30.40 per cent to stand at 36.3 lakh tonnes as against 27.84 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period a year ago, official figures said here today.

Mr Rajesh Agrawal, Coordinator, Soybean Processors Association (SOPA), said exports to Thailand and Indonesia increased significantly to 2.29 lakh tonnes and 3.81 lakh tonnes during October'06 to February'07 from 1.40 lakh tonnes and 2.54 lakh tonnes respectively during the same period last year.

Exports to Singapore and the Philippines increased by 50 per cent and 41 per cent respectively, over the same period a year ago. East Asian countries have, therefore, shown a good potential for Indian soymeal, Mr Agrawal added.

Export figures on the Oil year (October-September) basis showed a marginal increase by the trade. Exports during October'06 to February'07 were 21.96 lakh tonnes as compared to 20.38 lakh tonnes during the same period last year, registering a marginal growth of 7.75 per cent.

UNI