67

Chapter – IV

GROUNDNUT CROP

AND ITS

IMPORTANCE

AMONG THE OIL SEEDS

68

4.1. INTRODUCTION

Groundnut is one of the most important cash crops of our country. It is a low-

priced commodity but a valuable source of all the nutrients. Groundnut is the sixth most

important oilseed crop in the world. It contains 48-50% of oil and 26-28% of protein, and

is a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. The world wide groundnut is

grown in 26.4 million hectares with a total production of 37.1 million metric tonnes and

an average productivity of 1.4 metric t/ha. Worldwide ground nut is grown over 100

countries. Developing countries constitute 97% of the global area and 94% of the global

production of this crop. The production of groundnut is concentrated in Asia and Africa

with 56% and 40% of the global area and 68% and 25% of the global production,

respectively.

4.2. SCENARIO OF GROUNDNUT CROP

Cultivated groundnut belongs to genus Arachis in sub tribe Stylosanthinae of tribe

Aeschynomenea of family Leguminosae. It is a self-pollinated, tropical annual legume. At

locations where bee activity is high, some cross-pollination can occur. Cultivated

groundnut has two subspecies, hypogaea and fastigiata, which in turn have two botanical

varieties (var hypogaea and var aequatoriana). Each of these botanical varieties have

different plants, pod and seed characteristics. However, most of the commercially

cultivated varieties belongs to the hypogaea (common name/market type: Virginia or

runner), fastigiata (Valencia), and vulgaris (Spanish) botanical variety groups. The

characteristics of these three botanical varieties are described below.

The Variety Hypogaea has no floral axes or branches on main stem; alternating

pairs of vegetative and reproductive axes on branches (alternate branching), inflorescence

simple vegetative branches moderate to profuse; primary branches longer than main stem,

69

growth habit spreading, intermediate, or erect, usually two seeds per pod, pod beak not

very prominent; seed size medium (runner market type) to large (Virginia market type),

taste colour generally tan (red, white, purple, or variegated also exist), cured seed

dormancy moderate and maturity medium to late.

The Variety of Fastigiata has Floral axes on main stem, irregular pattern of

vegetative and productive branches with reproductive branches predominating on

branches (sequential branching), inflorescence usually simple, vegetative branches sparse,

primary branches shorter than main stem, growth habit upright, two to four seeds per pod,

pod beak absent, slight, or prominent; seed size small to medium, testa color tan, red,

white, yellow, purple, or variegated and cured seed dormancy little.

The Variety of Vulgarishas floral axes on main stem; irregular pattern of

vegetative and productive branches with reproductive branches predominating, primary

branches shorter than main stem; growth habit upright, mostly two seeds per pod (three

seeds are rare), beak may or may not be present; seed size small to medium, test a color

tan, red, white, or purple, cured seed dormancy limited.

4.3. ORIGIN AND USES OF GROUNDNUTS

It has been reported that South America was the place from where cultivation of

groundnut originated and spread to Brazil, Southern Bolivia and North-western

Argentina. Groundnut was introduced by the Portuguese from Brazil to West Africa and

then to south-western India in the 16th century. Almost every part of groundnut is of

commercial value.

4.4. GROUNDNUT OIL

The groundnut oil has several uses but it is mainly used as cooking oil. It is used

in many preparations, like soap making, fuel, cosmetics, shaving cream, leather dressings,

70

furniture cream, lubricants, etc. Groundnut oil is also used in making vanaspati ghee and

in fatty acids manufacturing. It is also used as a medium of preservation for preparation of

pickles, chutney, etc. The groundnut oil is used in making different types of medicated

ointments, plasters, syrups and medicated emulsion. It is also used to make various food

preparations like butter, milk, candy and chocolate, chutney, groundnut pack, laddu, barfi

(chukii), etc.

4.5. KERNELS

Whole kernels are used for table purpose by frying, soaking, roasting and boiling

and in different types of namkeens. Roasted groundnut is the most popular way of eating.

Kernels are also used as a spice in vegetables and as sprouts for salad.

4.6. GROUNDNUT CAKE

It is a good feed for animals and poultry due to its nutritive value and palatability.

4.7. GROUNDNUT SHELL

Groundnut shell has great potential for commercial use. It is used as a fuel, filler

in cattle feed, hard particleboard, cork substitute, activated carbon, etc.

4.8. GROUNDNUT STRAW

It is mainly used as animal feed and fuel and in preparation of compost. The

green leaves and stems of plants are used as animal feed. The shells of pods obtained

during threshing are also used as cattle feed. The food values of groundnuts are presented

in brief in the following table 4.1 and the same is illustrated diagrammatically in figure

4.1. The nutritional characteristics of groundnut are presented in the following table 4.2.

The chemical composition of groundnut shells, haulms and oil cake are examined with

the help of the following table 4.3.

71

Table 4.1: Food Value of Groundnuts

Content Percentage

Protein 25.20

Oil 48.20

Starch 11.50

Soluble sugar 4.50

Crude Fiber 2.10

Moisture 6.00 Source: Peanut in Local and Global food Systems Series Report No.5, Dept. of Anthropology, University

of Georgia, 2007.

Fig. 4.1: Food Value of Groundnuts

Percentage

26%

49%

12%

5%

2% 6%

Protein

Oil

Starch

Soluble sugar

Crude Fiber

Moisture

Table 4.2: Nutritional Characteristics of Groundnut Kernel

Characteristics Raw* Roasted*

Calories(g) 564.00 582.00

Protein(g) 26.00 26.00

Fat(g) 47.50 -

Carbohydrate(g) 18.60 20.60

Calcium(mg) 69.00 72.00

Phosphorus(mg) 401.00 401.00

Iron(mg) 2.10 2.20

Thiamine (B1)(mg) 1.14 0.32

Riboflavine(B2)(mg) 0.13 0.13

Iron(mg) 2.10 2.20

Niacin(mg) 17.20 17.20 * Content 100-1 g; Source: Burn and Huffman, 1975.

Source: Peanut in Local and Global food Systems Series Report, No.5, Dept. of Anthropology, University

of Georgia, 2007.

72

Table 4.3: Chemical Composition of Groundnut Shell, Haulms and oil Cake

Characteristics Shell (%) Haulms (%) Oil cake (%)

Cellulose 65.70 22.11 to 35.35 -

Carbohydrates 21.20 38.06 to 46.95 22 to 30

Proteins 7.30 8.30 to 15.00 45 to 60

Minerals 4.50 1.39 to 2.88 4 to 5.70

Crude fiber - 22.11 to 35.35 3.80 to 7.50

Moisture - 7.13 to 10.00 8 to 10 Source: Reddy, P.S., 1988

4.9. CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUNDNUT CROP

Groundnut is essentially a tropical plant. It requires a long and warm growing

season. The most favourable climatic conditions for groundnuts are a well-distributed

rainfall of at least 50 centimeters during growing season, abundance of sunshine and

relatively warm temperature. It seems that plant will grow best when the mean

temperature is 21°C to 26.5°C. Lower temperatures are not suitable for its proper

development. During the ripening period, it requires about a month of warm, dry weather.

4.10. WATER MANAGEMENT IN GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION

Being a rainy-season crop, groundnut does not require irrigation. However, if dry

spell occurs, irrigation may become necessary. One irrigation should be given at the pod

development stage. The field should be well drained. In the southern part of the country

where groundnut is grown in rabi season too, three to four irrigations are necessary. The

first irrigation is given at the start of flowering and the subsequent irrigations whenever

required during the fruiting period to encourage peg penetration and pod development.

The last irrigation before harvesting facilitates the full recovery of pods from the soil.

73

4.11. IMPORTANCE OF GROUNDNUT

Groundnut is called as the ‘king’ of oilseeds. It is one of the most important food and

cash crops of our country. While being a valuable source of all the nutrients, it is a low-

priced commodity. Groundnut is also called as wonder nut and poor men’s cashew nut.

The groundnut is particularly valued for its protein content (26%).

On equal weight basis (Kg for Kg), groundnuts contain more protein than meat

and about two and a half times more than eggs.

In addition to protein, groundnuts are a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron,

zinc and boron.

The groundnuts also contain vitamin ‘E’ and small amounts of vitamin ‘B’

complex.

High in calories, 5.6 calories nut -1 (calorific value of 567).

Being an oil seed crop, it contains 40 to 49% of oil.

4.12. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF GROUNDNUT

Groundnut is cultivated on about 26.5 million hectares in the world, with an

average annual production of 35.7 million Metric tones. The average yield world over is

1348 kg/ha. India is one of the largest producers of oilseeds in the world and occupies an

important position in the Indian agricultural economy. It is estimated that nine oilseeds,

namely, groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soyabean, sunflower, safflower, sesame, niger,

castor and linseed, accounted for an area of 23.44 million hectares with the production of

25.14 million tons during the year 2004-05.

China and India together are the world's leading groundnut producers accounting

for nearly 60 percent of the production and 52 percent of the crop area. India cultivates

about 7.74 million hectares and produces 7.61 million tons of groundnut with the

74

productivity level of 991.80 kg per hectare. South Africa is the major producer in Africa,

while in Latin America almost one half of the total groundnut produced in that region

may be credited to Argentina. Among the developing countries, Egypt has the highest

productivity and capacity to produce groundnuts (Table 4.4).

In most of the developing countries, the productivity levels are lower than in the

United States of America, mainly due to a number of production constraints such as

the cultivation of the crop on marginal lands under rainfed conditions,

Occurrence of frequent drought stress due to vagaries of monsoon,

higher incidence of disease and pest attacks,

low input-use and

Factors related to socio-economic infrastructure.

Table 4.4: Groundnut Area, Yield and Production in Various Developing Countries

in Africa, Asia and Latin America during the last Decade

Countries Area (000 ha) Yield (t ha-1

) Production (000 t)

Africa

Nigeria 1 798 1.10 1 917

Sudan 960 0.69 663

Senegal 829 0.83 684

Mozambique 279 0.39 109

Niger 207 0.37 83

Uganda 191 0.73 141

Zimbabwe 181 0.50 95

Mali 174 0.90 155

Tanzania 113 0.62 70

Egypt 38 2.70 107

Asia

China 3 658 2.6 9 737

India 7 740 0.98 7 609

Indonesia 661 1.70 1 159

Myanmar 493 1.0 506

Vietnam 239 1.20 302

Thailand 97 1.50 143

Pakistan 98 1.0 99

Turkey 30 2.4 75

Syria 13 2.2 28

75

Countries Area (000 ha) Yield (t ha-1

) Production (000 t)

Latin America and Caribbean

Argentina 214 2.2 464

Brazil 93 1.7 164

Mexico 82 1.3 112

Paraguay 32 1.0 35 Source: FAOSTAT, database 2000 to 2006, each figure is average for the period from 2000-2006.

Especially in the developing countries, groundnut has to play an important role

both as oil and food crop. For example, in India about 10 kg groundnuts per capita is

available for domestic consumption. Fat and oil consumption averages less than 5 kg per

capita per year. It has been estimated that in the year 2000, approximately 34 million Mt

of groundnuts were produced worldwide of which 15 million Mt were produced in China,

6 million Mt in India, 2 million Mt in Nigeria, 1.5 million Mt in United States of America

and the rest mostly in other countries. Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a serious

problem in the developing world. It is ironic that PCM exist in areas where most of the

groundnut is produced.

Assuming the level of production of 34 million Mt of groundnut in the year 2008,

there would be about 6.26 million metric tons of groundnut proteins (after correcting for

the kernel yield). Thus there should be about 2.6 to 2.8 g of groundnut protein available

per capita per day in the world. This translates into approximately 5.5 percent of the total

protein requirements of the world.

The obvious reason for low consumption of groundnut protein in India is that out

of 6 million Mt of groundnuts produced every year, 80 percent are utilized for oil

extraction, 12 percent for seed purpose, 2 percent for export and the remaining for edible

purposes. The protein rich cake resulting from oil extraction is fed to the animals as

protein supplement. The groundnut utilization system in India remains more or less

similar in most of the developing countries with the exception of South Africa.

76

Similarly, in other developing countries, most of the groundnuts are used for

extraction of oil for domestic consumption and export. For example, Sudan accounted for

17 percent of the world groundnut export trade. Groundnuts are important component of

Nigerian diet and about 5 percent of the estimated 58.9 g of crude protein available per

head per day is contributed by groundnut.

In most of the developing countries it provides high-quality cooking oil and is an

important source of protein for both human and animal diet and also provides much

needed foreign exchange by exporting the kernels and cake. In the literature, groundnut as

a cash crop is found to completely dominate its role as subsistent food crop. In spite of

groundnut importance to diets in many developing countries and the increasing emphasis

on food self-sufficiency, studies on domestic groundnut consumption are especially non-

existent.

Countries like South Africa, India, China and Egypt have good potential to utilize

the opportunity to export groundnuts or groundnut products to the developed countries.

They can earn valuable foreign exchange to improve their economic conditions. In the

international market demand for groundnut products is determined by several factors. The

primary factor in Africa has been population growth. In Asia, demand has grown due to a

combination of population growth, increase in per capita income and urbanization.

Expansion of urban areas signals higher incomes, higher opportunity cost of time

and therefore greater demand for convenience foods. Groundnut production and

consumption in the period up to 2010 has likely to shift progressively more to developing

countries. This boost will be seen in all regions with most rapid growth in Asia. Per capita

consumption will grow sharply in Asia, slowly in sub-Saharan Africa and will decline in

77

Latin America. Utilization will continue to shift away from groundnut oil towards

groundnut meal, especially confectionery products.

4.13. MAJOR GROUNDNUT PRODUCING COUNTRIES

Groundnut is grown on a large scale in almost all the tropical and subtropical

countries of the world. The most important groundnut growing countries are India, China,

Nigeria, Sudan and USA. It is grown over an area of 24.7 million hectares with a total

production of 33 million tons in the whole world. India occupies the first place in acreage

and second in production. Groundnut is cultivated in more than 60 countries of the world

(Table 4.5).

The table depicts that during 2006-07, groundnut occupied an area of 26,462.86

thousand hectares with production of 35,658.43 thousand tons in the world. Groundnut is

mainly produced in Asian countries. During the year 2006-07, China was the largest

producer of groundnuts accounting for 37.71 per cent of the total world production

followed by India (21.03 per cent). China and India, together, accounted for about 58.74

per cent of world groundnut production. Nigeria (7.57 per cent), USA (5.27 per cent),

Indonesia (3.86 per cent) and Sudan (3.37 per cent) were the other major groundnut

producing countries. In area, India ranked first with 30.23 per cent share in the world,

followed by China (19.37 per cent), Nigeria (10.58 per cent) and Sudan (7.18 per cent).

However, in productivity, United States of America stood first with 3540 kg/ha followed

by China (2624 kg/ha), Argentina (2018 kg/ha) and Indonesia (2016 kg/ha) during 2006-

07.

4.18. THE MAJOR GROUNDNUT GROWING COUNTRIES IN ASIA, AFRICA

AND NORTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA

The following table 4.6 analyses the area, production and yield of groundnut crop

in the major groundnut growing countries in Asia. Though India has more area under

78

Table 4.5

79

groundnut cultivation than China, the production is less as yields are low because the crop

is mostly grown under rain fed conditions. The place of different countries of Asia in

regarding to the area under groundnut crop is shown diagrammatically in figure 4.2.

Table 4.6: The Major Groundnut Growing Countries in Asia

Country Area (000 ha) Production

(000 mt) Yield (kg/ha)

China 5,125 13,448 2,623

India 8,000 7,500 938

Indonesia 683 1,377 2,016

Myanmar 730 730 1,270

Pakistan 100 106 1,060

Thailand 132 132 1,517

Vietnam 240 400 1,665 Source: Market Survey, Department of Agriculture, Govt. of India.

Fig. 4.2: The Major Groundnut Growing Countries in Asia (in Area)

Area (000 ha)

5,125

8,000

683 730

100

132

240

China

India

Indonesia

Myanmar

Pakistan

Thailand

Vietnam

Table 4.7: The Major Groundnut Growing Countries in Africa

Country Area (000 ha) Production

(000 mt) Yield (kg/ha)

Chad 480 450 938

Ghana 350 450 1,286

Malawi 206 158 767

Nigeria 2,800 2,700 964

Senegal 900 900 1,000

Sudan 1,900 1,200 632

Uganda 211 150 711 Source: Peanut in Local and Global food Systems Series Report No.5, Dept. of Anthropology, University

of Georgia, 2007.

80

Fig. 4.3: The Major Groundnut Growing Countries in Africa (in area)

Area (000 ha)

480 350206

2,800900

1,900

211 Chad

Ghana

Malawi

Nigeria

Senegal

Sudan

Uganda

Table 4.7 reveals the data relating to area, production and productivity of

groundnut in the major groundnut growing countries of Africa. The place of different

countries of Africa in regarding to the area under groundnut crop is shown

diagrammatically in figure 4.3. The area, production and productivity of groundnut crop

in the major groundnut growing countries in North and Central America are presented in

the following table 4.8. The groundnut area in these countries is small. The yields are

very high in United States of America for the reason that groundnut is cultivated under

irrigation with best management practices. This indicates the potential of the crop under

good management. The place of different countries of North and Central America

regarding to the area under groundnut crop is shown diagrammatically in figure 4.4.

Table 4.8: Groundnut Growing Countries in North and Central America

Country Area (000 ha) Production

(000 mt) Yield (kg/ha)

Argentina 156 316 1,348

Brazil 85 177 2,082

Mexico 62 75 1,204

US of America 531 1,880 3,540 Source: Peanut in Local and Global food Systems Series Report No.5, Dept. of Anthropology, University

of Georgia, 2007.

81

Fig. 4.4: Groundnut Growing Countries in North and Central America (in Area)

Area (000 ha)

156

85

62531

Argentina

Brazil

Mexico

US of America

4.19. GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION IN INDIA

India is the second largest producer of groundnuts after China. Groundnut is the

largest oilseed in India in terms of production. It accounted for 35.99 per cent of the

oilseeds production of the country during 2007-08. Gujarat is the largest producer

contributing 25 per cent of the total production followed by Tamil Nadu (22.48 per cent),

Andhra Pradesh (18.81 per cent), Karnataka (12.64 per cent) and Maharashtra (10.09 per

cent) during 2006-07.

Groundnut contains on an average 40.10 per cent of fat and 25.30 per cent of

protein and is a rich source of calcium, iron and vitamin ‘B’ complex like thiamine,

riboflavin, niacin and vitamin ‘A’. It has multifarious usages. It is used not only as a

major cooking medium for various food items but also for manufacture of soaps,

cosmetics, shaving creams and lubricants. In fact, it plays a pivotal role in the oilseed

economy of India.

India exports groundnut kernels, shell, hand picked selected (HPS) groundnut and

oil cake forms. Groundnut haulms and leaves serve as a rich source of cattle feed and raw

material for preparation of silage. Being a leguminous crop, groundnut is also grown in

82

crop rotation as it synthesizes atmospheric nitrogen and adds 100-120 kg of nitrogen in

the field per hectare per season. It maintains the fertility of soil and helps in reducing soil

erosion. The major groundnut growing states in India and the area under groundnut,

percentage of area under groundnut and production details are shown in table 4.9. The

place of the major groundnut producing states of India in regarding to the percentage of

total production of groundnut crop is diagrammatically shown in figure 4.5.

Table 4.9: Major Groundnut Producing States in India

Sta

te

Are

a

% T

ota

l A

rea

Prod

ucti

on

% T

ota

l

Prod

ucti

on

yie

ld

% i

rri

gate

d

area

Gujarat 1.92 30.00 2.71 37.59 1412 9.60

Tamil Nadu 0.77 12.08 1.33 18.48 1724 35.00

Andhra Pradesh 1.69 26.42 1.25 17.32 739 17.30

Karnataka 0.86 13.36 0.60 8.32 702 20.20

Maharashtra 6.70 6.70 0.49 6.82 1147 26.70 Source: Peanut in Local and Global food Systems Series Report No.5, Dept. of Anthropology, University

of Georgia, 2007.

Fig. 4.5: The Place of Major Groundnut Growing States in Total Production of

Groundnut Crop

% Total Production

0%

42%

21%

20%

9%8%

Gujarat

Tamil Nadu

Andhra Pradesh

Karnataka

Maharashtra

83

The groundnut production in India under different climatic conditions is shown in

Table 4.10. It shows that the total groundnut production recorded significant fluctuations

between 1993-94 and 2007-08. The average groundnut production in India during the

period was 72.93 lakh tonnes, with kharif at 56.32 lakh tonnes and rabi at 16.61 lakh

tonnes. The trends in the production of groundnut crop in India during 1993–2008 are

shown graphically in figure 4.6.

Table 4.10: Groundnut Production in Various Seasons in India

Year Season Total

Production of

Groundnut

Total Seeds

Production

% of total

production Kharif Rabi

1993-94 57.10 21.20 78.30 215.00 36.42

1994-95 60.60 20.00 80.60 213.40 37.77

1995-96 60.50 15.30 75.80 221.00 34.30

1996-97 69.40 17.00 86.40 243.80 35.44

1997-98 59.00 14.70 73.70 213.20 34.57

1998-99 69.10 20.70 89.80 247.50 36.28

1999-00 38.00 14.50 52.50 207.10 25.35

2000-01 49.10 15.00 64.10 184.40 34.76

2001-02 56.22 14.05 70.27 206.62 34.01

2002-03 30.95 10.26 41.21 148.38 27.77

2003-04 68.60 12.67 81.27 251.86 32.27

2004-05 52.62 15.12 67.74 243.54 27.81

2005-06 62.98 16.95 79.93 279.79 28.57

2006-07 32.94 15.69 48.63 242.89 20.02

2007-08 77.70 26.04 103.74 288.25 35.99

Average 56.32 16.61 72.93 227.12 32.11 Source: Peanut in Local and Global food Systems Series Report No.5, Dept. of Anthropology, University

of Georgia, 2007.

84

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

1993-94

1994-95

1995-9

6

1996-97

1997-9

8

1998-9

9

1999-00

2000-0

1

2001-02

2002-0

3

2003-0

4

2004-05

2005-0

6

2006-07

2007-0

8

Total Production of Groundnut Trend Values

Figure 4.6: Trends in Groundnut Production in India (1993–2008)

Table 4.11: Area, Production and Average Yield of groundnut in the Major

Producing States during 2004-05 to 2006-07

State

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 % of World

in 2006-07 Yield (kg/ha)

Are

a

Pro

duct

ion

Are

a

Pro

duct

ion

Are

a

Pro

duct

ion

Are

a

Pro

duct

ion

2004-0

5

2005-0

6

2006-0

7

Gujarat 1.75 0.69 1.89 2.65 2.03 1.09 34.12 25.00 395 1402 539

Tamil

Nadu 0.70 1.36 0.66 1.25 0.55 0.98 9.24 22.48 1942 1885 1784

Andhra

Pradseh 1.87 2.14 1.69 1.25 1.47 0.82 24.71 18.81 1144 739 558

Karnataka 1.06 1.08 0.85 0.59 0.84 0.55 14.12 12.61 1017 685 648

Maha-

rashtra 0.49 0.47 0.43 0.49 0.42 0.44 7.06 10.09 959 1146 1041

Rajasthan 0.20 0.18 0.24 0.30 0.24 0.17 4.03 3.90 924 1227 687

Madhya

Pradesh 0.21 0.23 0.22 0.24 0.19 0.12 3.19 2.75 1059 1121 635

Uttar

Pradesh 0.12 0.10 0.11 0.09 0.07 0.05 1.18 1.15 835 839 662

Odissa 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.05 1.04 1.15 794 985 870

Others 0.09 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.09 1.31 2.06 -- -- --

All India 6.56 6.41 7.03 7.03 5.95 4.36 100 100 977 1127 733

Source: Handbook of Grading of Foodgrains and Oilseeds, agricultural Statistics in Various Journalsd and

reports.

85

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

Gujarat Andhra

Pradseh

Maha-

rashtra

Madhya

Pradesh

Odissa

Area Production

Fig. 4.7: Area and Production of Groundnut crop in the Selected States during

2006–07

The highest production of 103.74 lakh tons was obtained during the year 2007-08,

with kharif at 77.70 lakh tons and rabi season at 26.04 lakh tons. Groundnuts assumed a

significant position in India’s oilseeds production during the years 1993-94 to 2007-08. In

1993-94, the total oilseeds production of India was 215 lakh tons, of which 36.42 per cent

was contributed by groundnuts. In India groundnut is grown over an area of 6.9 million

hectares with total production of 5.3 million tons. Its cultivation is mostly confined to

south Indian states, viz., Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and

Maharashtra. The other important states where it is grown are Madhya Pradesh,

Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

The area, production and average yield of major groundnut producing states in

India during the years 2004-05 to 2006-07 are shown in Table 2.11. Gujarat was the

largest groundnut producer (25 per cent) during 2006-07, followed by Tamil Nadu (22.48

86

per cent), Andhra Pradesh (18.81 percent), Karnataka (12.61 per cent) and Maharashtra

(10.09 per cent).

In area, it ranked first with 34.12 per cent of total area during 2006- 07, followed

by Andhra Pradesh (24.71 per cent), Karnataka (14.12 per cent), Tamil Nadu (9.24 per

cent) and Maharashtra (7.06 per cent), whereas in productivity, among major producing

states, Tamil Nadu stood first with 1784 kg/ha during 2006-07, followed by Maharashtra

(1041 kg/ha) and Orissa (870 kg/ha). The area and production of groundnut crop in

different states of India during 2006–07 is shown diagrammatically in figure 4.7.

4.20. EXPORT AND IMPORT OF GROUNDNUT PRODUCTION

India exports both types of groundnut i.e., groundnuts in shell and shelled

groundnut kernels. It has been a traditional exporter of HPS groundnuts. It has imported

meager quantity of shelled groundnut kernels and HPS from Norway and Japan,

respectively. Indonesia, Malaysia, the UK, Ukraine, USA, the Philippines, Netherlands,

Singapore and Sri Lanka are major groundnut importing countries.

In 2006-07, India exported a total of 176,109.33 thousand kg of groundnuts

valued at Rs 54,430.45 lakh. The share of groundnuts in shell was 39,779.84 thousand kg

valued at Rs 11,039.43 lakh.

4.21. CONCLUSIONS

It has been reported that South America was the place from where cultivation of

groundnut originated and spread to Brazil, Southern Bolivia and North-western

Argentina. Groundnut was introduced by the Portuguese from Brazil to West Africa and

then to south-western India in the 16th

century. Almost every part of groundnut is of

commercial value. The groundnut oil has several uses but it is mainly used as cooking oil.

It is used in many preparations, like soap making, fuel, cosmetics, shaving cream, leather

87

dressings, furniture cream, lubricants, etc. Groundnut oil is also used in making vanaspati

ghee and in fatty acids manufacturing.

The groundnut oil is used in making different types of medicated ointments,

plasters, syrups and medicated emulsion. It is also used to make various food preparations

like butter, milk, candy and chocolate, chutney, groundnut pack, laddu, barfi (chukii), etc.

Groundnut shell has great potential for commercial use. It is used as a fuel, filler in cattle

feed, hard particleboard, cork substitute, activated carbon, etc. Groundnut straw is mainly

used as animal feed and fuel and in preparation of compost. The green leaves and stems

of plants are used as animal feed. The shells of pods obtained during threshing are also

used as cattle feed.

Groundnut is essentially a tropical plant. It requires a long and warm growing

season. The most favourable climatic conditions for groundnuts are a well-distributed

rainfall of at least 50 centimeters during growing season, abundance of sunshine and

relatively warm temperature.

Groundnut is called as the ‘king’ of oilseeds. It is one of the most important food and

cash crops of our country. While being a valuable source of all the nutrients, it is a low-

priced commodity. Groundnut is also called as wonder nut and poor man’s cashew nut.

Groundnut is cultivated on about 26.5 million hectares in the world, with an average

annual production of 35.7 million metric tones. The average yield of world is 1348 kg/ha.

India is one of the largest producers of oilseeds in the world and occupies an important

position in the Indian agricultural economy.

China and India together are the world's leading groundnut producers accounting

for nearly 60 percent of the production and 52 percent of the crop area. India cultivates

about 7.74 million hectares and produces 7.61 million tons of groundnuts with the

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productivity level of 991.8 kg per hectare. South Africa is the major producer in Africa,

while in Latin America almost one half of the total groundnut produced in that region

may be credited to Argentina.

Especially in the developing countries, groundnut has to play an important role

both as oil and food crop. For example in India about 10 kg groundnut per capita are

available for domestic consumption. Fat and oil consumption averages less than 5 kg per

capita per year. It has been estimated that in the year 2000, approximately 34 million Mt

of groundnuts were produced worldwide of which 15 million Mt were produced in China,

6 million Mt in India, 2 million Mt in Nigeria, 1.5 million Mt in United States of America

and the rest mostly in other countries.

Similarly, in developing countries, most of the groundnuts are used for extraction

of oil for domestic consumption and export. For example, Sudan accounted for 17 percent

of the world groundnut export trade. Groundnuts are important component of Nigerian

diet and about 5 percent of the estimated 58.9 g of crude protein available per head per

day is contributed by groundnut. In most of the developing countries it provides high-

quality cooking oil and is an important source of protein for both human and animal diet

and also provides much needed foreign exchange by exporting the kernels and cake.

Groundnut is grown on a large scale in almost all the tropical and subtropical

countries of the world. The most important groundnut growing countries are India, China,

Nigeria, Sudan and USA. It is grown over an area of 24.7 million hectares with a total

production of 33 million tons in the whole world. India occupies the first place in acreage

and second in production.

India exports groundnut kernels, shell, and handpicked selected (HPS) groundnut

and oil cake forms. Groundnut haulms and leaves serve as a rich source of cattle feed and

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raw material for preparation of silage. Being a leguminous crop, groundnut is also grown

in crop rotation as it synthesizes atmospheric nitrogen and adds 100-120 kg of nitrogen in

the field per hectare per season.

Groundnuts assumed a significant position in India’s oilseeds production during

the years 1993-94 to 2007-08. In 1993-94, the total oilseeds production of India was 215

lakh tonnes of which 36.42 per cent was contributed by groundnuts. In India, groundnut is

grown over an area of 6.9 million hectares with total production of 5.3 million tons. Its

cultivation is mostly confined to south Indian states, viz, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh,

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The other important states where it is grown are

Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The share of groundnuts in shell

was 39,779.84 thousand kg valued at Rs. 11,039.43 lakh.

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4.22. REFERENCES

1. Acharya, K.T.,(1990), Oilseeds and Oil Milling in India: A Cultural and

Historical Survey, Oxford ans IBH, New Delhi, Pp-105-108.

2. CMIE,(2007), Directory of Indian Agriculture, Centre for Monitoring Indian

Economy, Mumbai,pp126-127.

3. Subba Rao, C.K., (1909), The Ground, Earth or Peanut (Arachis hypogaea),

Department of Agriculture, Madras, Bulletin No.28, Pp.43-51.

4. Anonymous, (1941), Report on the Marketing of Groundnuts in India and

Burma, Manager of Publications, Delhi, Marketing Series No. 28, Pp.117-118.

5. FAO, (1998), FAO Production Year Book, 51 (142): 104-5, Pp.11-14.

6. IEMR (The Institute of Economic and Market Research), (1993), Major Oil and

Oilseeds in India, IEMR, New Delhi, Pp.67-69.

7. Nigam, S.N.Reddy, L.J., Upadhyaya, H.D. and Dwiwedi, H.D., (1994), Genetic

Enhancement in Groundnut, in Prasad, M.V.R., Shastry. R.K., Raghavaiah,

C.V., and Damodaram, T., (eds), Sustainability in Oilseeds, Indian Society of

Oilseeds Resarch, Hyderabad, Pp.68-90.

8. Sheshadri, C.R., (1952), Groundnut, India Central Oilseeds Committee,

Hyderabad, Pp.78-109.

9. Watt, G., (1892), A Directory of the Economic Products of India, I-VI, Cosmo

Publications, Delhi, Pp. 282-287.

10. Badami, V.K., (1936), Arachis Hypogaea Linn, Groundnut or Peanut –

Original Habiatat and its Distribution in the World, Journal of Mysore

Agriculture Experiment Union, 15 (4),: 141-154.

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11. Patel, J.P., (1958), Village Oil Industry, Khadi and Village Industries

Commission, Bombay, Pp.56.59.

12. Watt, G., (1908), The Commercial Products of India, Today and Tomorrows’

Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, Reprinted 1966,Pp.40-42.

13. Basu, M.S., (1995), Groundnut Production Technology for Rainfed Kharif,

Workshop on Crop Production Management in Oilseeds and Pulses based

Cropping Systems, February 22-23, 1995, New Delhi.

14. Liberherr, E., (1928), A Few Notes on Indian Groundnuts, The Times Press,

Bombay, P. 4.

15. Srivastava, U.K., (1988), Groundnut – Financing of Trade, Processing Units

and distribution of Finished Products, CMA, Monograph, Indian Institute of

Management, ahmedabad, Pp.189-194.

16. John C.M., Venkatanarayana,G., and Seshadri,C.R., (1955), Varieties and Forms

of Groundnut, Indian Joiurnal of Agricultural science, 34(4),: 159-193.

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Table 4.5: Area, Production and Average Yield of Groundnut in the Major Producing Countries (Area in ‘000 hectares; production in ‘000 tons)

Country 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 % of world in 2006-07 Yield(kg/ha)

Area Production Area Production Area Production Area Prodtn 2004- 2005- 2006- 05 06 07

Argentina 251.06 564 222.37 517 156.4

315.6 0.59 0.89 2,247 2,325 2,018

Burkina 330.9 301.09 342.64 323.64 331

301 1.25 0.84 910 945 909

Chad 477.13 448.09 480 450 480

450 1.81 1.26 939 938 938

China 5,016.42 1 4,471.84 4,946.1 14,895. 1 5,125.4

13,447.46 19.37 37.71 2,885 3,012 2,624

Congo, Dem 473.64 368.45 456.59 355.18 456.59

355.18 1.73 1 778 778 778

Ghana 254 258 384 520 350

450 1.32 1.26 1,016 1,354 1,286

India 6,238.1 7,027.5 5,953.5 4,362.8 8,000

7,500 30.23 21.03 1,127 733 938

Indonesia 654.8 1,245 646.95 1,267 682.94

1,377 2.58 3.86 1,901 1,958 2,016

Myanmar 586.13 731.09 567.19 722.6 575

730 2.17 2.05 1,247 1,274 1,270

Nigeria 2738 2,683 2,782 2,699 2,800

2,700 10.58 7.57 980 970 964

Senegal 984.16 943.84 841.76 501.3 900

900 3.4 2.52 959 596 1,000

Sudan 1,531.32 990 1,900 1267 1,900

1,200 7.18 3.37 647 667 632

USA 571.38 1,939.88 524.76 1,506.15 530.95

1,879.75 2.01 5.27 3,395 2,870 3,540

Viet Nam 244.6 363.1 246.7 400.4 240.3

400.1 0.91 1.12 1,485 1,623 1,665

Others 3,689.68 3,747.78 3,810.24 3,515.93 3,934.

28 3,652.34 14.87 10.24 — — —

World 24,041.32 36,082.65 24,104.79 33,303.1 26,462.86

35,658.43 100 100 1,500 1,382 1,348

Source: Handbook on Grading of Foodgrains and Oilseeds, Agricultural Statistics in Various Journals and Reports

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