Factors Behind The Growth

Gujarat's groundnut production is set to soar this year, with an estimated 4.219 million tonnes, marking a 27% increase over last year’s output of 3.345 million tonnes. Favorable weather and an increase in cultivated land have played key roles in this projected growth for the 2024 season.

How Gujarat is Breaking Records with Groundnuts

According to BV Mehta, Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), Gujarat is on track to surpass the previous high of 3.855 million tonnes recorded in 2021-22. The SEA team conducted a thorough survey of the state’s groundnut-producing regions. They concluded that the state’s farmers are benefiting from better-than-expected yields.

“Our surveys suggest that Gujarat will exceed its earlier records, setting a new benchmark for groundnut production,” Mehta said. "Farmers are shifting towards groundnuts, and the results speak for themselves."

What’s Driving This Surge?

Gujarat has long been India’s largest producer of groundnuts, accounting for around 40% of the country’s total output. The SEA Groundnut Promotion Council, which has been conducting surveys for the past 15 years, found that higher yields of 2,210 kg per hectare this year, compared to 2,045 kg per hectare last year, are behind this surge.

In addition, the total area under groundnut cultivation has risen by 0.275 million hectares, bringing the total to 1.909 million hectares compared to 1.635 million hectares last year.

Breaking Down the District-Wise Numbers

Jamnagar is leading the pack with a production rate of 2,625 kg per hectare, followed closely by districts like Dwarka, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Porbandar, which recorded yields of 2,500 kg per hectare.

District-wise, Dwarka is set to produce the most groundnuts at 5.43 million tonnes, while Rajkot and Junagadh are close behind at 5.36 million tonnes and 5.20 million tonnes, respectively.

In Amreli, production is expected to hit 3.92 tonnes, and Banaskantha will likely reach 3.87 tonnes.

Why Farmers are Choosing Groundnuts Over Cotton

Many farmers have shifted from cotton to groundnuts this year, and it’s not hard to see why. Market conditions have been favorable, and last year’s stable prices gave farmers confidence to plant more groundnuts.

“The switch from cotton to groundnut has been driven by good market prices and strong yields,” Mehta noted. This shift has led to a significant boost in acreage dedicated to groundnuts, which bodes well for future seasons.

Conclusion: Is it All Smooth Sailing?

With a 27% increase in groundnut production expected, Gujarat is well-positioned to meet both domestic and export demands. However, unpredictable weather could still pose challenges. That said, the present situation remains optimistic, and the state's groundnut farmers are likely to enjoy strong returns.

The bumper crop in this season is a welcome boost. Yet market fluctuations, weather changes, and international demand will ultimately decide whether this year's production turns into profits for farmers.





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