The primary centre of origin of soybean is:

Correct option is B

· Historical and genetic studies show that China is the main centre of origin and diversity of cultivated soybean (Glycine max).
· More specifically, work on domestication traces soybean origin to the lower and middle Yellow River valley in northern China, considered the primary centre of origin.
Why other options are wrong
· (a) Central America – centre of origin for crops like maize and common bean, not soybean.
· (c) India – important for many pulses (e.g. pigeon pea, chickpea) but soybean’s primary origin is not Indian centre.
· (d) Mediterranean region – centre for many temperate crops (wheat, barley, lentil, olive), not soybean.