Guide to Peanut Cultivation In India and Its Market Demand

A Brief Guide to Peanut Cultivation In India and Its Market Demand

Groundnut farming, also known as peanut farming, is a prominent industry in Asia, particularly in India. It ranks as one of the top oilseed crops. India is the second-largest producer of peanuts globally after China.

Growing peanuts is one of the major farming activities in India, both in terms of revenue and food production. Peanuts, commonly referred to as groundnuts, are an edible worldwide crop. They are used in cooking and the production of valuable peanut oil. Let’s learn more about the cultivation process of growing peanuts in India and its market demand.

Cultivation Process of Peanut Farming

The cultivation process involves many steps, from picking the right variety of seeds to choosing the right way to harvest and store them. Let’s Learn more about it in detail:

Climatic and Soil Requirements

Peanuts require warm climates with temperature variations of 25°C to 35°C  in the warmer parts and 15C in the cooler parts. They are grown during the Kharif season (monsoon) and cannot tolerate water-logging conditions, which imply poor drainage. Sandy loam or light clay soils is preferred, with the pH ranging from 5. 5 to 7.

Soil Preparation

Preparation of the soil is crucial for a good harvest. In addition, checking the soil PH and nutrient level before beginning the process of soil preparation is important. This is useful in identifying the particular need of the soil so as to plan well for the fertilization to be done.

New Machinery, such as tractors, is very useful to farmers, especially in preparing the soil properly. For instance, when farmers are looking for versatile tractors to use in all aspects of farming, Powertrac 439 is one of the best tractors they prefer over others. It is a 42 HP Tractor that comes with a 2339 CC engine that delivers maximum output with 3 cylinders.

Sowing

Peanuts are planted from the end of May to early July based on climate and rainfall. Generally, it is recommended that the seed rate should be between 80-100 kg per hectare. Oil meals can be sown individually or by means of seed drills if an improved method is used for sowing. Seeds should be buried at a depth of 4-5 cm and made 15-20 cm apart in rows.

Fertilization

Proper fertilization is one critical practice that a farmer should employ to ensure an appropriate yield of peanuts. Hoeing should be carried out before planting by turning the soil and adding organic manure or compost. When plants start to grow in the middle of the season, fertilize it with a 10-10-10 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Commonly, farmers apply 25 kg of nitrogen, 50 kg of phosphorus p, and 25 kg of potassium per unit area.

Weed Control

Weed management is a serious issue in peanuts as the weeds compete for the crop’s nutrients and moisture. In this context, mechanical weeding carried out with Mahindra Tractors and suitably mounted attachments allows the management of weeds. Failure to remove weeds while supporting the peanut growth can result in poor harvest.

Some legume pests, known as aphids, leafhoppers, and termites, attack peanuts. IPM measures, such as insecticide application and bio-control methods, can be used to control these pests.

Harvesting

Peanuts often mature in 120 to 150 days to mature, and this is indicated by the beginning of either of the leaves and the firming of the pods. Mechanized harvesting can also be done, although the most common means of harvesting is through manual harvesting.

For large-scale farms, a more organized approach to harvesting is possible using tractors with harvesting implements. After harvesting, peanuts need to be dried to avoid rotting. Sanitization and proper drying and storage are very important in preserving the quality of the peanuts.

Market Value of Peanuts

Peanuts are highly nutritious and a multi-cuisine ingredient. Hence, it has high market demand. Let’s learn more about the Market demand for peanuts.

Demand and Uses

Peanuts can be used in so many ways that make them a valuable crop. They are consumed as snacks, in cooked form, and transformed into peanut butter and oil. Peanuts are in demand throughout the year, both domestically and overseas. Some of the factors that boost the market value include the culture of embracing healthy snack foods and the incorporation of peanut products in various foods.

Market Trends

Production, exportation, and domestic consumption are the factors that might influence the market value of peanuts. They play an important input in India and contribute a major part to its exports, thereby increasing its market share. Another factor may include the pricing of peanuts, whereby the price depends on factors like supply and demand, climate, and the general market trends in the world market.

Government Support

Support measures are available to peanut farmers in India. For example, subsidies for seeds and fertilizers, crop insurance, and minimum support prices (MSP) are available. The above-stated activities seek to address the farmer’s income and promote peanut production.

Conclusion

Peanut farming is profitable in India because of its applicability in various sectors and high demand. Through skilful farming practices and the use of Agritech tools and machinery, including mini tractors and their implements, small farmers can also produce more. For instance, using affordable options like Mahindra tractor 50 HP price range models ensures better productivity. Small farmers with the correct technologies and methods can also grow and add value to their economic stability and the country’s agricultural aspects.

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