ABSTRACT
Soybean is native crop of China and adjoining South-east Asian regions in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Soybean culture began in North America during mid-1700s. It seems soybean was introduced into Georgian plains by sailors returning from China. During early 1900s, soybean cultivation spread rapidly. Soybean farms and companies supported by major business houses and philanthropic organization started expanding rapidly in the Northern Plains of USA. Regular use of soymilk and ice creams made of soy powder and extraction of vegetable oil induced expansion of soybean belt in the Great Plains during 1880s. Farmers in Mexican agrarian region started growing soybean in 1877. Soybeans reached Caribbean Islands during 1760s, but remained a small cropping belt. Soybeans were introduced into Argentina in 1882 [1]. Soybean was introduced into European plains by British colonialists during mid-1700s. Soybean reached Central Europe and Transcaucasia during 1867 [2]. In Africa, Egyptians received soybean during 1850s. The soybean agroecosystem spread into Australia with its introduction by seafarers and explorers during 1770s [3]. Soybean companies that used soy powder became prominent in Australia during early 1800s. South-east Asian famers grew soybeans during 1300s. Soybeans were introduced into Indonesian archipelago during early fourteenth century. However, in India, soybean farming began only during 1660s with its introduction by Dutch travelers [4].
