Peanut Production Has Increased

Peanut production in Gujarat is projected to reach a record-breaking 4.219 million tonnes this Kharif season. Marking a 26% increase over last year, according to the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA). Executive Director of SEA, BV Mehta, attributed this significant rise to favorable rainfall and an expanded cultivation area, which enabled Gujarat to surpass its previous production record of 3.855 million tonnes from 2021-22. The SEA’s recent three-day survey in the region confirmed these findings, showing the state’s ongoing role as India’s leading peanut producer, contributing 40% to the national output.

Higher Yields and Expanded Sowing Areas Drive Growth

Mehta, a key member of the SEA survey team, highlighted that this year’s monsoon boosted yields, raising the average from 2,045 kg per hectare in 2023 to 2,210 kg per hectare. Additionally, the sowing area grew by 275,000 hectares, with 1.635 million hectares dedicated to peanuts during the 2023 Kharif season. Among Gujarat's major peanut-producing districts, Jamnagar reported the highest average yield at 2,625 kg per hectare for 2024. The districts of Dwarka, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Porbandar followed closely, each achieving yields above 2,500 kg per hectare.

Shift from Cotton and Self-Sufficiency Goals

Last year’s stable market prices encouraged more farmers to switch from cotton to peanut cultivation. SEA’s survey predicts that Dwarka will lead in production with 543,000 tonnes, followed by Rajkot with 536,000 tonnes, and Junagadh with 520,000 tonnes for 2024-25. Jamnagar and Banaskantha are also expected to post substantial outputs, with 478,000 tonnes and 392,000 tonnes respectively. With this surge, India’s goals for self-sufficiency in oilseed production seem within reach.

The SEA is a Peanut Promotion Council. It has conducted annual crop surveys for over 15 years. They believes that this year’s growth trajectory will bolster the domestic market. Apart from this, it could also stabilize peanut prices, benefiting farmers and industry stakeholders.

Conclusion:

This year’s anticipated record in peanut production highlights Gujarat’s crucial role in India’s agriculture sector and progress toward self-sufficiency in oilseeds. Favorable monsoon conditions, expanded sowing areas, and stable market prices have motivated farmers to increase peanut cultivation. Substantial yields expected across Gujarat’s key districts. This growth is likely to stabilize peanut prices, supporting farmers and meeting growing domestic demand for oilseeds.





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