Ahmedabad, Sep 12
Gujarat continues to lead India in peanut cultivation and production, with the crop sown over 22 lakh hectares and contributing more than 50 per cent to the country’s total output, according to Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel.
“This year, Gujarat is set to make history in peanut production, with an estimated 66 lakh metric tonnes — a record for the state,†Patel said.
Last year, the state procured 12.22 lakh metric tonnes of peanuts from over 3.67 lakh farmers at minimum support prices (MSP), amounting to Rs 8,295 crore, providing significant economic security to growers. Peanuts have long been a vital part of both India’s and Gujarat’s economy.
Among the top peanut-producing countries, India holds a prominent position, and Gujarat contributes more than half of the nation’s total output.
The state’s dominance in cultivation and production remains intact this year. The area under peanut cultivation has steadily increased over the years. In 2018–19, peanuts were sown over 15.94 lakh hectares; this year, the area has expanded by 25 per cent to 22 lakh hectares.
Similarly, production has surged from 22 lakh metric tonnes in 2018–19 to 52.20 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25, with this year projected to reach 66 lakh metric tonnes — three times higher than 2018–19.
To ensure farmers’ economic security, the government announces MSPs before sowing and procures peanuts directly at these rates. In 2020–21, over 1 lakh farmers sold more than 2 lakh metric tonnes of peanuts to the government at MSP, valued at Rs 1,068 crore.
Last year’s bumper harvest enabled record procurement, with 3.67 lakh farmers selling 12.22 lakh metric tonnes worth ₹8,295 crore. Procurement at MSP will continue this year as well. Patel noted that factors contributing to the rise in cultivation include higher market prices, increased MSPs, direct government procurement, and research-based high-yield varieties.
Farmers now primarily sow varieties developed by state agricultural universities and the Indian Peanut Research Institute, such as Gujarat Groundnut-20, 32, 39, 23, and Girnar-4.
Peanuts remain an integral part of the Gujarati diet, used for both consumption and oil, while the shells serve as livestock feed.
Gujarat’s soil and climate are highly suitable for peanut cultivation, particularly in Saurashtra, often referred to as the “peanut hub,†where the crop has been cultivated extensively for over 150 years.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Gujarat's agricultural success story continues! Peanuts are not just a crop but part of our culture. From chikki to oil, they're essential in every Gujarati household. Proud moment for our state!
Impressive numbers! The 25% increase in cultivation area shows how farmers are responding to market opportunities. Hope other states can learn from Gujarat's agricultural model.
While the production numbers are impressive, I hope the government is also focusing on sustainable water management. Groundnut cultivation requires significant water, and we need to balance productivity with conservation.
The research on high-yield varieties is paying off! Gujarat Groundnut-32 has changed the game for us farmers. Better yield and disease resistance. Kudos to our agricultural scientists! ðŸ‘
Amazing to see how traditional crops are thriving with modern agricultural practices. The MSP procurement system seems to be working well for peanut farmers. Hope this success continues!
Saurashtra truly is the peanut hub of India! The climate and soil there are perfect for groundnut cultivation. This production boost will help meet both domestic demand and export requirements.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.