Farmers in India are expected to shift their focus from paddy and maize to oilseeds like soybean and pulses such as urad and masur for the upcoming kharif season. This trend is largely influenced by concerns over uneven monsoon rains and potential fertilizer shortages. According to traders and seed companies, the prices of soybean are currently high, making it an attractive option for farmers, especially as it requires less fertilizer compared to maize. The government's ethanol program had previously driven maize acreage expansion, but this year, strong oilseed prices are prompting a return to soybean cultivation. Additionally, farmers may favor crops that are less dependent on nutrients due to the ongoing crisis affecting fertilizer supplies. While tur, a pulse crop, may see reduced planting because of its susceptibility to erratic weather, other pulses like masur and urad are expected to gain popularity due to their lower nutrient requirements. PM Narendra Modi's call for a 50% reduction in chemical fertilizer use further underscores the shift towards sustainable farming practices.